A vigil for Marcus Meade raises questions about police actions on Christmas Eve
Redditch: A vigil was held for Marcus Meade, a father of two, who was shot by police on Christmas Eve. His family is left searching for answers about the incident.
Marcus, 39, was involved in a standoff with police that lasted five hours. His family insists he was alone and posed no threat when officers opened fire.
Over 100 people gathered at the vigil outside his flat, lighting candles and laying flowers. His parents expressed their heartbreak and disbelief over their son’s death.
His father, Anthony, shared his shock, saying, “This isn’t something you expect to happen here.” His mother, Deborah, added that Marcus wouldn’t hurt anyone but himself.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is looking into the shooting. They reported that police used distraction devices before a Taser was deployed, followed by a gunshot that struck Marcus.
While the investigation is ongoing, the police have refrained from commenting further. Anthony Meade questioned the decision to send armed officers to a situation involving someone with mental health issues.
He wondered why they didn’t consider other options to handle the situation without lethal force. The family believes that Marcus’s mental health struggles were known to the police.
They also raised concerns about whether racism played a role in the police’s response, especially given the timing on Christmas Eve. They felt the urgency to resolve the situation quickly may have influenced the officers’ actions.
Marcus’s brother was present but wasn’t allowed to help negotiate, which the family believes could have made a difference. They are demanding to see all police bodycam footage from the incident.
The wait for answers is taking a toll on the family. “This has destroyed our family,” Anthony said, describing their grief as a “living nightmare.”
Deborah added, “He was a lovely person who would help anyone.” The family continues to seek clarity on the tragic events that led to Marcus’s death.
