The fatal shooting of 21-year-old Camden Childers by a Newton police officer has been ruled not legally justified, according to a statement released by District Attorney Scott Reilly on July 22. The incident, which took place on June 26, has led to a second-degree murder indictment against Newton Police Lieutenant Carlos Uribe.
According to law enforcement, Childers was operating a motorcycle recklessly, without a registration plate, and refused to stop for officers while traveling toward Conover. The situation escalated into a pursuit, which ended when Childers’ motorcycle collided with a police vehicle on Northern Drive NW. Authorities said a brief struggle followed the crash, during which Uribe allegedly discharged his weapon, fatally wounding Childers.
Childers was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
District Attorney Reilly emphasized the need for accountability in his official statement:
“I acknowledge the difficulty and gravity of decisions officers face daily. However, when those decisions cross the line into excessive or unlawful force, leading to the loss of life, it becomes my obligation to act in accordance with the law. Justice demands accountability, regardless of profession or position,” he said.
Reilly concluded with a firm message: “No one is above the law, and no one is beneath its protection.”
The investigation into the events leading up to and surrounding Childers’ death remains ongoing.
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