The Lansing police officers who fatally shot Stephen Romero last year acted in self-defense, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Monday. Following a thorough review of the incident, Nessel declined to charge the officers involved in the shooting, which occurred on December 1, 2023, in response to a domestic violence situation.
The events unfolded in the 1600 block of Massachusetts Avenue, where police were dispatched following a 911 call from Romero's wife. She reported that Romero, who was "really drunk" and "getting violent," had slapped her and was armed with a gun. While officers were en route, a second caller reported hearing a gunshot and believed the victim had been shot. This caller described hearing a female crying and screaming, and mentioned that both the victim and Romero were outside.
"My stepdad slapped her," the victim's daughter told 911 dispatchers during the ordeal. When asked if Romero had shot the victim, the child clarified, "he shot a gun to scare her."
Upon arrival, police body cam footage captured the tense moments as officers approached Romero. One officer, armed with a handgun, and another with a rifle, can be seen confronting Romero in the driveway. Initially, Romero is seen holding what appears to be two cell phones, which he sets on the ground when ordered to show his hands. He then gets down on his knees and lifts his shirt, revealing a handgun in his waistband. The video cuts off as Romero moves his hand toward his waist, which is when officers fired their weapons.
In a statement, Nessel's office emphasized that shots were not fired until Romero's hand was on his pistol. The Attorney General's decision came after an extensive review of various materials, including written reports from the Lansing Police Department, body cam footage, a Michigan State Police Incident Report, Romero's autopsy report, the Lansing Police Department's 'response to resistance' policy, and 911 calls, including the one from Romero's wife.
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This comprehensive review concluded that the officers' actions were justified as self-defense, given the imminent threat posed by Romero's actions.
The incident has drawn significant attention and scrutiny, with many closely following the investigation's outcome. Nessel's decision to clear the officers underscores the importance of detailed and transparent reviews in such critical cases, ensuring that all aspects are considered before reaching a conclusion.
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