An Oklahoma police lieutenant has been indicted for second-degree murder following an on-duty shooting that occurred earlier this year. The incident involved the officer allegedly firing nearly 60 rounds at a suspect involved in a road-rage incident.
John Mitchell, a 40-year-old lieutenant with the Blackwell Police Department, was charged in connection with the death of Micheal Ann Godsey, 34, on May 20. A grand jury concluded last Thursday that Mitchell engaged in “imminently dangerous conduct” when he shot Godsey in Blackwell, Oklahoma, which is located approximately 90 miles north of Oklahoma City. The grand jury alleged that the officer’s use of deadly force was not justified given the circumstances.
According to The Oklahoman, authorities responded to reports of gunfire emanating from a white pickup truck at various locations within Blackwell. Responding officers pursued Godsey’s pickup truck, and an exchange of gunfire ensued before the vehicle came to a stop. Godsey was found deceased in the driver’s seat of her truck, according to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.
Mitchell’s defense attorney, Gary James, argued that the officer acted lawfully to stop a threat. James described it as a “sad day for law enforcement and society,” characterizing Godsey as a “violent, fleeing felon.” He stated, “She shot at the police twice. She has shot at her mother twice. She has shot at a private citizen. We know she fired other rounds around town. Mitchell gets in behind her. He took his AR-15 and he started shooting through the front windshield at her.” James also noted that an independent internal affairs review had cleared Mitchell of wrongdoing.
If convicted of second-degree murder, Mitchell faces a minimum of 10 years in prison, according to Fox News.
The case raises questions about use of force policies and training within law enforcement, as well as the potential for overkill in high-stress situations. The legal proceedings will likely involve scrutiny of the officer’s actions, the perceived threat level, and the justification for the number of rounds fired. The incident also highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers when responding to reports of gunfire and the split-second decisions they must make in potentially life-threatening situations. The role of internal affairs in reviewing such incidents will also be a key aspect of the case.
Officer Involved Shooting incidents often spark public debate and scrutiny, particularly in cases involving fatalities. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for law enforcement practices and accountability.