Malissa Williams

Unarmed Malissa Williams was killed with Timothy Russell when thirteen Cleveland officers fired 137 rounds into their car after a long police chase in November 2012.

What happened

On November 29, 2012, Malissa Williams was a passenger in a Chevrolet driven by Timothy Russell when officers began a prolonged chase through Cleveland and into East Cleveland. Early radio communications mistakenly suggested shots had been fired from their vehicle, a claim later contradicted by the lack of a firearm in the car. The pursuit involved numerous patrol vehicles and ended in a school parking lot. Thirteen officers opened fire, discharging 137 rounds. Williams and Russell were struck repeatedly and killed. A later federal Justice Department investigation singled out serious systemic deficiencies in Cleveland police force practices and supervision, making their deaths central to demands for structural reform.

Investigation & findings

The city paid a total $3 million to settle the two families' lawsuits. Officer Michael Brelo was acquitted of voluntary manslaughter in 2015 after a judge found the specific causation burden was not proved beyond a reasonable doubt. The DOJ described major departmental failures in pursuing the vehicle and managing the shooting.

What happened

Investigation & findings

Sources & records