Timothy Russell

Unarmed Timothy Russell died alongside passenger Malissa Williams after Cleveland police fired 137 shots into their vehicle following a high-speed pursuit in November 2012.

What happened

Timothy Russell was driving a Chevrolet through Cleveland on November 29, 2012 when police began a pursuit prompted in part by a loud noise officers interpreted as gunfire. The sound was later linked to the car backfiring. Officers transmitted conflicting reports about the threat posed by the vehicle, and the pursuit extended for roughly twenty-five minutes. At a parking lot in East Cleveland, thirteen officers fired a combined 137 shots, killing Russell and passenger Malissa Williams. Neither was found to have a gun. The Justice Department's civil-rights investigation criticized the department's ineffective supervision, excessive-force problems and dangerous communications during the event.

Investigation & findings

The two families received a combined $3 million civil settlement. Officer Michael Brelo was acquitted of manslaughter; a later separate proceeding also acquitted a supervisor of dereliction charges. These outcomes do not erase the DOJ's documented criticism of Cleveland police practices.

What happened

Investigation & findings

Sources & records