Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Family members, reporters, and police accountability advocates have been demanding answers regarding the police shooting that took place in downtown Boise, resulting in the death of a 22-year-old Nampa man. Despite the calls for more information, crucial details about the incident, such as the reason for the shooting, whether the victim posed a threat, and the number of rounds fired, remain unknown.
The shooting occurred on June 24, when a Boise police officer shot and killed Payton Wasson, who was under investigation for suspected gang activity and drug dealing. Another individual, Mario Garza, was arrested and charged with three felonies in connection with the incident.
Five months later, the public is still being denied access to the body-camera footage worn by the police officers involved, leaving many questions unanswered. Eyewitnesses have disputed the police’s account of what happened that morning, with Garza stating in a video interview that Wasson was simply running away and did not threaten the police in any way.
The Boise Police Department has a policy of not releasing body-camera footage or any investigative documents until after an investigation is completed, which can take months or even years. The only way for the public to view this footage earlier is through the courts, as evidence in a criminal case or lawsuit.
This lack of transparency has sparked outrage among the community, leading to protests outside Boise City Hall and calls for more accountability and transparency from the police department. The incident has also raised concerns about systemic police misconduct issues in the city.
Boise Police Chief Ron Winegar defended his officers’ actions, stating that the decision to use deadly force is not taken lightly and that they respond to calls involving armed individuals every day. He expressed his gratitude for the work of the Ada County Critical Incident Task Force and the outside prosecutor who will be reviewing the incident.
Discrepancies between the police narrative and security camera footage from a nearby retail store have further raised doubts about the department’s account of the incident. The footage shows that the individuals involved were not inside Garza’s car when the officers approached them, contrary to the police’s statement.
The lack of information and transparency surrounding this incident only fuels speculation and mistrust within the community. Advocates for police accountability continue to push for the release of the body-camera footage and a thorough investigation into the shooting.