DETROIT – The family of 44-year-old Sherman Butler is upset after reviewing newly released body cam footage from the deadly shooting involving a bailiff and Detroit police in July.
“It was just so unnecessary. In my opinion, it was definitely overkill,” said Taura Brown, speaking on behalf of Butler’s family a day before what would have been his birthday.
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The shooting happened when a 36th District court bailiff went to Butler’s west side apartment to serve an eviction notice. After breaching the door, the bailiff and officers say they found Butler sitting on his bed, holding a box cutter to his neck.
Police attempted to subdue Butler with a Taser, but it failed twice. According to prosecutors, Butler stated multiple times that the only way he would leave was if officers used weapons and killed him. Moments later, police say Butler lunged toward them, prompting the bailiff to fire. It is believed he discharged his weapon at least five times in the footage provided.
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The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office concluded earlier this month that the bailiff acted in “lawful self-defense,” stating, in part: “The body-worn camera footage shows the 36 District Court bailiff did try to deescalate the actions of Mr. Butler, and the police did call a crisis intervention team. However, prior to their arrival, the bailiff had to act in self-defense and defense of others.”
But Butler’s family, and Brown, say it does not appear that Butler is lunging toward them.
“I feel like he’s reacting to being tased,” Brown said.
Brown and Butler’s family also question the bailiff’s involvement in the situation after police were dispatched and a crisis intervention team was called.
“If you’re not a member of the Detroit police, why are you there front and center after they’ve already decided police have been dispatched and mental health services are on the way? Your job is done,” Brown said. “At this point, what you should be doing is walking through the house and in the other rooms Sherman Butler is not in, throwing his belongings in bags and taking them outside to the dumpster.”
The family is now exploring legal options and calling for the release of unedited footage of the incident.
Detroit police say in response to public interest, Chief Bettison announced on December 11, 2024, that all investigative holds on the video had been lifted and unedited footage was made available on the department’s YouTube page on December 23, 2024.
They added that further information about the incident can be found at the 36th District Court and the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
The body cam footage can be viewed on the Detroit Police Department’s YouTube page.
