Darius Wimberly

The Washington Post's Fatal Force database records Darius Wimberly in a fatal on-duty police shooting on 2016-10-18 in Benton Harbor, MI. Individual circumstances and legal outcome require case-specific review.

What happened

Darius Lamar Wimberly, 28, known to relatives and neighbors as 'Karate,' was killed by Benton Harbor, Michigan police in the early hours of October 18, 2016, on Pavone Street. Officers had responded to a report of someone being held at gunpoint inside a house but said they found no evidence of a hostage situation. Soon afterward, officers reported hearing gunfire outside. Police said Wimberly discharged two guns toward a house and in the direction of officers, one of whom returned fire and killed him. Officials acknowledged uncertainty over whether Wimberly knew officers were nearby when he began shooting. Police released body-camera footage from an officer who did not fire; the shooting officer's footage was not released at that stage. Michigan State Police took over the investigation. Wimberly's brother Antwon Johnson and other residents described his work teaching local children martial arts and questioned the circumstances of his death. Their memories and concerns provide a perspective distinct from the police account.

Investigation & findings

Individual legal and investigative outcome not yet reviewed.

What happened

Investigation & findings

Sources & records