Cindy Leachman Aldridge displays a photo of her late grandson, Jonah Neal, highlighting the family’s quest for justice after his death in a police-involved shooting in Owensboro, Kentucky.
Body camera footage has emerged, casting doubt on the justification for the use of deadly force against Jonah Neal. He was shot by a federal agent during a mental health crisis at his home in late May. Attorney Andre Wharton, representing Neal’s family, argues that the footage indicates Neal did not pose an imminent threat.
The agent involved was part of Homeland Security Investigations under Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This agency, alongside others, was deployed to Memphis under directives from President Trump and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.
Wharton notes that the footage, captured by a second agent, shows Neal’s mother informing the agents of her son’s mental health crisis. Federal agents stood at the apartment’s front door while Neal maintained significant distance from them. Wharton points out one agent was heard stating Neal held a knife rather than a gun, followed by another agent’s decision to open fire.
Criticizing the response, Wharton claims it exposes inadequate law enforcement training. “The response that we were able to observe was totally inconsistent with good law enforcement,” Wharton stated to NPR.
At a recent press conference, Neal’s mother Jessica expressed grief over the incident. She insisted her son harmed no one leading up to the shooting, sentiment echoed by Neal’s grandmother. Cindy Leachman Aldridge emphasized Neal was not a criminal and demanded justice.
The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office refused NPR’s request to view the footage, citing an ongoing investigation with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Neal’s family seeks transparency and urgency in the investigation. Wharton underscores community concerns about accountability in law enforcement. “Citizens are wondering, are these agencies going to be able to do this without some accountability? Are they gonna be able to do this with impunity?”
Neal is among five individuals shot by the Memphis Safe Task Force since last fall, with four incidents resulting in fatalities. Wharton also represents families of other victims like Tyrin Johnson, shot dead by National Guard troops.
State authorities have disclosed minimal information regarding these shootings, including the identity of the agents involved and their current duty status.
Responding to inquiries about the shootings, the White House defended the task force’s achievements in reducing crime rates. It highlighted over 11,000 arrests and seizure of more than 2,000 firearms.
Jessica Neal recounted a distressing call to 911 on May 20, when her son threatened suicide. Neal was described as intelligent and caring, aspiring to be a doctor prior to his mental health struggles. Aldridge emphasizes the family’s resolve: “We are not giving up. We’re gonna have justice, and we are not going away.”