Bennie Edwards, 60
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
December 11, 2020
Cause of death: Shooting
Last updated: over 3 years ago
Overview 
Oklahoma City Police responding to a disturbance call killed 60 year-old Bennie Edwards – a black man who struggled with a mental health diagnosis.
Edwards’ family members said he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Police say Edwards was carrying a knife and ran towards officers before they opened fire.
Oklahoma City Police Capt. Daniel Stewart said police tried to deescalate the confrontation but had no choice except to shoot.
“They used a taser which most of our officers are equipped with,” Stewart said. “Then attempted to use OC gas which is commonly known as pepper spray and that was not effective.”
Bystander video shows part of the encounter. In the video, three officers surround Edwards. He appears to run towards one officer and police immediately fire three shots.
Edwards then veers away from the police and runs away from them. The officers fire three more shots and he falls. Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene.
Additional Resources:
- https://www.kgou.org/post/protest-follows-police-killing-oklahoma-city-man added December 16, 2020 10:27