The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office announced that no charges will be filed against a bailiff involved in a fatal shooting during an eviction in Detroit. The incident occurred on July 12, when the bailiff, assisting with the eviction, encountered 44-year-old Sherman Butler. Prosecutors said the bailiff acted in self-defense after Butler allegedly brandished a box cutter and refused to leave the property. Despite attempts to subdue Butler with a taser, he reportedly lunged at the bailiff, leading to the shooting. The prosecutor determined that the use of deadly force was justified, as stated by FOX 2 Detroit.
Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s office ruled the shooting justified, stating, "An individual is allowed to use force, including deadly force, when necessary to protect themselves and in defense of others." The decision not to file charges was based on evidence that aligned with Michigan law on self-defense, as seen in body-worn camera footage. The body-worn camera footage, "shows the 36 District Court bailiff did try to deescalate the actions of Mr. Butler, and the police did call a crisis intervention team," in a statement obtained by CBS News Detroit.
After the shooting, protests have called for changes to eviction processes. Tenant rights groups, like the Detroit Tenants Association, are asking for body camera footage and an independent investigation. Robert Day from the group said, "He should not be dead. His life was taken by a damn bailiff for a damn slumlord," as reported by The Detroit News.
