Deneice Franklin, the cousin of Shapell Terrell, called me on Tuesday. Terrell was the 39-year-old man who was shot and killed by police in the 8500 block of South Oglesby at about 1:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 22.
Franklin wanted to set the record straight about Terrell's criminal background, which she says the police deliberately distorted in an effort to protect the police officers' action. She also shared her family's version of what happened the night Terrell was killed by police.
Please note that a spokesman with the Chicago Police Department declined to comment.
Still, I think it is important to discuss Franklin's accusations. Hopefully, witnesses of the shooting will contact the Independent Police Review Authority so that this matter can be resolved as quickly as possible.
Mary Mitchell is a columnist for the 