SEAFORD, Del. (AP) - The family of a Delaware woman who was fatally shot by police claims the woman was killed after a state trooper fired his gun through a closed door.
The Delaware State News reported Tuesday that the family is calling for more investigation into the March 25 incident in Seaford.
The family issued a statement through an attorney. It said that Kelly E. Rooks, 51, was in the midst of a mental health crisis when she called 911 for help.
“As her family, we have serious concerns about the circumstances of Kelly’s death, and we insist upon a credible investigation to uncover the truth,” the family stated.
The family described Rooks as someone who was loving and loved by her family. The family also said that she was “one of the many millions of Americans who experience serious mental illness.”
Attorney Raeann Warner of the Jacobs & Crumplar law firm said that an independent investigation would be conducted.
Delaware State Police spokeswoman Heather Pepper said the case is still active and that an ongoing investigation is being conducted.
“There is no comment, reaction or response the Delaware State Police will add to (Tuesday’s news release by the family),” she said.
State police had said that Rooks had a gun and threatened to shoot medical personnel and troopers who engaged her at the scene. State police said the trooper who shot her has been placed on administrative duty, as is standard policy.
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