Tensions have not eased in Titusville as the police department revealed that two officers involved in the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Tri'Marea Charles were cleared of any wrongdoing. The verdict was delivered after a comprehensive review by the 18th Judicial Circuit, Office of the State Attorney, in collaboration with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). According to WESH, the authorities deemed the fatal incident that took place on February 7th "lawful and justified."
The ruling comes after months of public distress and attempts to close a case that has, since its occurrence, sparked community outrage and prompted numerous protests. As ClickOrlando reported, Tri'Marea Charles was pronounced dead after being shot 10 times by responding officers. The event unfolded when officers were called to a home off Robbins Avenue because of a suspicious incident. The police narrative states that Charles was the bearer of a firearm, which he retrieved from the ground, thus prompting the officers' reaction. Tri'Marea Charles' family has been vehemently calling for access to the body camera footage, a request that the police have agreed to fulfill before a wider public release.
The awaited release of the body camera videos is scheduled for this Friday, a step that the Titusville Police Department indicates is in line with their commitment to transparency throughout the investigation.
