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Norfolk Commonwealth’s Attorney to review case involving man killed by police

Posted at 4:53 PM, Apr 15, 2015
and last updated 2015-04-15 22:05:58-04

Norfolk, Va. - It has been eight-months since David Latham was killed by Norfolk Police, but on Tuesday Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney Greg Underwood had his motion granted by Norfolk Circuit Court to have a Special Grand Jury investigate the case.

The incident happened on June 6, 2014 in the 400 block of W. 30th Street. Police were originally called out to the scene after someone told them Latham pulled a knife on his brother. Someone else called and said Latham pulled a knife on another sibling.

When they arrived on the scene, police say they encountered Latham, who was still armed with a knife and blocking the doorway to the home. Police say he refused to drop the knife and that's when he was shot.

Latham's family filed a wrongful death claim and lawsuit shortly after the incident.

This shooting was the second one in which an officer killed a suspect. Just the week before Latham was killed, another knife-wielding suspect was shot as police were serving an emergency custody order at Calvary Towers.

The Police Chief Michael Goldsmith held a press conference addressing the two shootings.

He stated that officers attend 40 hours worth of training every two years and it includes crisis communication instruction. He also said the department is looking for ways to improve and deliver the services that citizens expect.

Related: 

People gather for “Don’t Shoot” protest in Norfolk

Family of man shot by Norfolk Police to file wrongful death claim

Councilman Riddick says long-time white officers are ‘still stirring the pot of racism’

VIDEO: Norfolk Police Chief addresses recent shootings involving officers

UPDATE: Man killed by Norfolk officer identified