Frank Shephard

Frank Shephard III, 41, was unarmed when Houston officers shot and killed him on April 15, 2015 at the end of a televised vehicle pursuit.

What happened

Houston police chased Frank Shephard III through city streets on April 15, 2015 after attempting a traffic stop. The pursuit ended when his Chrysler collided with other vehicles. Officers approached after the car stopped. Police claimed Shephard reached back toward the vehicle, and two officers fired. Investigators did not recover a gun. Shephard had called his mother during the pursuit; she subsequently described watching the killing unfold on television. Contemporary Houston Chronicle coverage emphasized that officials urged the public not to judge the officers before an inquiry concluded. The important established facts include that Shephard was unarmed at the end of the chase and that he died under police gunfire after the vehicle had stopped. The officers' claimed perception of a weapon is an allegation requiring assessment against video, physical evidence and witness accounts.

Investigation & findings

Initial criminal or administrative investigations were reported. This review did not establish a final charging or civil disposition.

What happened

Investigation & findings

Sources & records