JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The attorney for the family of a man shot and killed by police last month in Jacksonville says he believes charges could be brought against the officer who fired the deadly shots.
Michael Hughes, a 32-year-old father of two, was shot and killed by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office at the Quality Inn on Youngerman Circle March 30. His family says he was mentally ill.
Attorney Marwan Porter said in a news conference Thursday that a witness's description of events does not match what JSO says happened. He's asking for surveillance video to be released.
"Based on our preliminary investigation, we believe that there is a strong possibility that charges should be brought against Officer Wing," Porter said. "We believe that based on information that we got from eyewitnesses, the killing of Mr. Hughes was unjustified, unlawful and unnecessary."
Porter said he did view the police bodycam video. The first camera allegedly turned off, and the other hit the ground, Porter said, but the recording captured audio of the struggle.
The audio includes someone saying "Get off me," followed by "He's going to grab my Taser," Porter said. Then, he said, you can hear two shots fired.
One witness said he saw Hughes get shocked with the Taser by police, according to Porter. He said he wants to see the surveillance video from outside the hotel to know whether the officer should be charged in the case.
"We see what's going on throughout the country, what has gone on for many, many, many years, and all we are asking for is accountability," Porter said. "We love police officers. I love having people protect me. But when you do something wrong, you need to be held accountable, for all of us."
Porter said all he is asking for is transparency from JSO.
First Coast News reached out to the State Attorney's Office regarding the release of bodycam footage from the shooting incident. They sent us a copy of a letter to JSO Chief Scott Dingee, saying in part "Given the facts and circumstances known at this time, the State Attorney's Office has determined that the release of the body-worn camera footage would not impair the integrity of our investigation."
Police say Hughes attacked an officer with a Taser during a domestic call. JSO said a fight between Hughes and the officers lasted for more than a minute, during which police said Hughes shouted "I'm going to kill you!"
Officer J.H. Wing began firing his gun at Hughes when he said Hughes went for his Taser. After the first shot, police said Hughes continued to advance, and the officer shot again multiple times.
Hughes was then handcuffed before officers gave him CPR, JSO said. Hughes died at the scene.
A police officer was also injured during the incident, according to JSO. He received minor injuries from the taser and a bruise on his face.