Sylville Smith, 23

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
August 13, 2016

Agencies: Milwaukee Police Department Wisconsin | Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation DCI Wisconsin

Cause of death: Shooting


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Last updated: over 3 years ago

Overview

23-year-old Sylville Smith was armed with a stolen gun when he was fatally shot Saturday afternoon, August 13, 2016, by police in Milwaukee during a foot pursuit, authorities say.

Smith was shot in the chest and arm, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.

He fled from a car during a traffic stop Saturday about 2:30 p.m. in the Wisconsin city’s North Side, police said in a press release. He was chased by two officers and was shot during the foot pursuit, according to police.

Wisconsin’s attorney general said on August 22, 2016 that the incident was recorded by not one but two body cameras and that the footage clearly shows Smith holding a handgun and turning toward an officer when he was shot.

Legal Action

On August 22, 2016 The Wisconsin Attorney General announced that two bodycam videos of Smith's death would not be released until after their investigation was over.

September 2016 The Wisconsin Department of Justice has completed its investigation into the shooting death of Sylville Smith and has sent its findings to Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm to make a charging decision. The police Chief says he will not release the video of the murder.

October 2016 The officer who fatally shot a Milwaukee man, sparking two days of unrest in the city’s Sherman Park neighborhood in August, has been arrested and suspended from the department, WISN 12 NEWS has learned.

The former Milwaukee police officer waived his right to a preliminary hearing, erasing a chance for the public to see body camera footage of the incident. District Attorney John Chisholm has refused to release the footage publicly, calling it evidence. Outside court, Chisholm said he had been prepared to play the video during the hearing if it had happened as scheduled.

Dominique Heaggan-Brown was booked into the Milwaukee County Jail on Wednesday after charges were filed in connection with an alleged sexual assault.

June 2017 Jury trial of killer cop due to begin June 6

June 2017 Trial Begins for Former Milwaukee Cop who Killed Sylville Smith

June 2017 Killer cop who murdered his former classmate walks free after not guilty verdict.

February 2020, Ex-Milwaukee Police Officer Dominique Heaggan-Brown was released on extended supervision Tuesday after being erving three years in prison on a sexual assault case.

Community and Family Efforts

August 2016 Mayor's speech

August 2016 Milwaukee sick and tired of being sick and tired

October 2016 protest for tape release

December 2016 A former Milwaukee police officer has been charged with first-degree reckless homicide in an August shooting.

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