No Charges for New Mexico Officers in Fatal Home Shooting

Following a thorough review, the Justice Department concluded that there is no basis for pursuing criminal charges against the officers. Farmington Police Chief Steve Hebbe expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging it as a tragedy. The officers, who arrived at the incorrect residence around 11:30 at night, were captured on video discussing their uncertainty about the address before the fatal encounter unfolded.

In their investigation, the state Justice Department considered a report by Seth W. Stoughton, a professor at the University of South Carolina School of Law, hired by the state attorney general’s office to assess the shooting. Stoughton's report deemed the officers' approach to the Dotson home as reasonable, despite the mistaken address. According to Stoughton, Mr. Dotson opened the door with a firearm in a firing position, pointing it toward the officers.

The Justice Department communicated its decision not to file charges to the local district attorney and Police Chief Hebbe on a Friday, as stated in an official statement. The department prosecutors also met with members of Dotson's family to provide an explanation for their decision.

Robert Dotson, described as a devoted family man and long-time auto mechanic, tragically lost his life in the incident. His wife mentioned that he was blinded by a flashlight when he opened the door. The family's attorney, Tom Clark, questioned why Dotson wouldn't raise his gun under those circumstances.

The family has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in New Mexico against the city of Farmington and the three officers involved. The lawsuit alleges that the first officer fired instantly upon encountering Dotson, with the other two officers following suit. The suit claims that Dotson, blinded by police flashlights and unaware of who was in his yard, opened his front door without any announcement from the officers.

Seeking damages under the Wrongful Death Act, the lawsuit does not specify monetary amounts but includes claims for compensatory and punitive damages. The decision by the New Mexico Justice Department not to pursue charges has left the Dotson family and their legal representatives with concerns and unanswered questions regarding the tragic incident.

Source: NBC