Olympia, Washington
January 05, 2016
Agencies: Thurston County Sheriff's Office Washington | Mason County Sheriff's Office Washington | Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office Washington | Lewis County Sheriff's Office Washington | Grays Harbor County Sheriff's Office Washington | Use of Deadly Force in Community Policing, Joint Legislative Task Force Washington
Cause of death: Shooting
Last updated: almost 6 years ago
People tracking this case: 6 -- Click here to Track this.
Family and friends gathered at a church memorial service to remember Joel Nelson, 29, who died after an altercation with a Thurston County Sheriff's deputy on January 5.
"He was a good kid," said Joel's father, Joe. "Things could have been handled a whole lot differently than they were."
"What happened? We don't know," said Joel's grandmother, Georgia Harvey. "We need answers."
According to the Sheriff's office, Joel Nelson stole the deputy's SUV and rammed it into another car.
Once that process is complete, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office will conduct an internal investigation into whether any policies were violated.
I worked with Joel at Fish and Wildlife.. I found him to be gracious and kind. To th Nelsons IIm sorry for your loss.I also want to know what precipitated all this... Damon
My son Joel Anthony was in fear of his life after being Tazed. No witnesses just a cop who did not have his cameras on.. WHY NOT ???????WHAT THE REAL TRUTH COP YOUR WRONG YOU KILLED MY SON I DONT CARE IF HE PUNCHED YOU 10 TIMES . COP YOUR A MAN CORRECT WHY TAZE HIM WHY SHOOT HIM IN THE CHEST WHEN YOU COULD OF INJURED HIM HE WAS UNARMED UNARMED DAMN YOU.
I will never understand his death, you killed my child!!! Unarmed NOT BREAKING ANY LAWS AT ALL.
My nephew was unarmed and not committing a crime when he was tased by the policeman 3 times in the back.
Joel was my nephew, son to my sister Luanna. Joel was loved by all who knew him! MURDERED by police officer Ditrich. Yes I support "taking a knee".Police brutality is rampant in this country and these scumbags need to be held accountable! Where is the Justice!!!