The grieving family of a father fatally shot by armed police in his own home after a standoff on Christmas Eve has called for answers.
Anthony Meade and Deborah Clarke are mourning the loss of their 39-year-old son, Marcus Meade, who died in Redditch, Worcestershire.
Police were called to his home following reports of a mental health crisis, and after a five-hour standoff with negotiators, Marcus was Tasered and shot. West Mercia Police confirmed he was alone at the time.
The Mirror reports Marcus’s mother, Deborah, said: “I want to know what happened to my son. I want to know why they thought it was acceptable to do what they did. I want answers, and I want justice for my son.”
The family revealed they learned of Marcus’s death through social media and word of mouth. Now, they are demanding an explanation from West Mercia Police, which has referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for investigation.
Anthony said: “Christmas i s meant to be a time for love, sharing, and joy. To hear of 13 tactical explosions, a Taser, and a bullet fired into my son’s chest makes it impossible for us to ever celebrate Christmas again. I need to know why my baby boy is gone.”
Marcus leaves behind two children. He had previously been hailed as a hero for his bravery in apprehending a teenage girl’s killer in Birmingham city center. In 2003, Marcus, alongside other bystanders, helped capture Inderjit Kainth, who had fatally stabbed 16-year-old Rosie Ross in an unprovoked attack. His courage earned him an award.
The IOPC has reviewed body-worn camera footage from officers involved in the incident and conducted local inquiries. It is understood that the initial call to police was made by ambulance staff who had encountered Marcus during a mental health crisis.
Marcus’s aunt, Selina Freckleton, said: “My nephew Marcus was sadly and unjustifiably taken from us. We must get justice for Marcus.” His uncle, Mark, added: “We are left to suffer forever.”
Family members identified Marcus at the mortuary after his death, and his loss has left his community in Winyates West, Redditch, reeling. Residents and relatives are urging West Mercia Police to ensure the investigation is “timely, open, and transparent.”
In response, West Mercia Police stated they have fully cooperated with the investigation since self-referring to the IOPC on December 24. Assistant Chief Constable Grant Wills said: “We understand the shock and concern this incident may cause within the local community. We are following all appropriate procedures, including immediately referring the matter to the IOPC. We will support their investigation fully, providing all relevant information, including body-worn footage.”
IOPC Regional Director Derrick Campbell expressed condolences to the family, saying: “Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr. Meade’s family and everyone affected by his death. We are working to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Our investigation will be thorough and guided by the evidence we uncover.”
He added: “We have established that police used distraction techniques, which caused several bangs and flashes upon entering the property. There was one shot fired by an armed officer. We are carefully reviewing the extensive body-worn footage collected.”
The IOPC investigation will examine the police’s strategy and tactics during the standoff, their decision-making processes, and whether policies and procedures were followed. Campbell assured the community and the family that regular updates would be provided as the investigation continues.
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