Angelo Montaño Obituary, Death; – Richmond police released footage from body cameras on Monday, illustrating the events leading up to the shooting that resulted in the death of a Marine veteran.
Angelo Montaño, aged 27, was shot and killed by police last week after officers were dispatched to an apartment following a 911 call made by the man’s brother.
“The caller, who identified himself as the subject’s brother, reported that the individual was armed with a knife and threatening to kill both him and their mother,” stated Richmond Police Department Chief Bisa French.
She explained that while officers awaited the arrival of a less lethal weapon, the situation escalated. Body camera footage reveals police attempting to enter the residence when the suspect charged out wielding what appeared to be two knives. It was at this moment that police discharged their weapons.
“Despite multiple commands to halt, the individual continued to advance toward the officers,” French remarked. Civil rights attorney John Burris met with the family on Monday and asserted that the situation could have been de-escalated without resorting to lethal force.
“They informed him that he was experiencing mental health issues,” Burris stated. “They called for assistance, they called for assistance. They did not request lethal action, and they communicated that he was mentally impaired and had mental health problems. That is a call for help, not a plea for death.”
Burris noted that Officer Nicholas Remick, one of the officers involved, had previously been associated with another fatal officer-involved shooting in February and a beating incident in May.
“I find it troubling, especially within such a short timeframe, which suggests to me that this officer may be out of control,” Burris commented. “If you listen to the 911 calls, you will hear the brother pleading, ‘send the officers now, he has armed himself with a knife,’” remarked Richmond Police Department Lieutenant Donald Patchin.
Police have stated that they will maintain full transparency as both shootings are under investigation. In the meantime, Montaño’s family has established a GoFundMe campaign, honoring him as a proud Marine and a devoted son, brother, and father.
