The family of Robert Dotson, who was shot and killed by Farmington police responding at the wrong home, is demanding the officers be charged with second-degree murder and the police chief resign.
The family and its legal team of attorneys Shon Northam and Mark Reichel held a press conference to also call for an investigation into the Farmington police department. “We are calling for the resignation of the police chief based on the obvious malfeasance in running the department,” Northam alleged per KOB. “We also demand the city council investigate the extensive amount of excessive force claims against the police department, and in fact, corruption within the department to cover up their constant malfeasance.”
Farmington Police Department Chief Steve Hebbe has apologized several times about the tragic incident and said he can’t explain why the officers were at the wrong house.
Officers reportedly knocked on the front door and announced they were police. When no one answered, officers questioned whether they were at the right address. Officers backed away from the door as it showed signs of opening. Police body camera videos show 52-year-old Robert Dotson answering his door and drawing his gun. It’s not clear Dotson ever heard police say who they were.
According to authorities, officers were dispatched to 5308 Valley View but ended up knocking on the door of the house across the street.
All three officers reportedly fired their weapons. Two of the officers have been with the department for about five years. The third officer has been with the department for about three years. The three officers are all reportedly on paid administrative leave.
Northam said at the press conference he will request for San Juan District Attorney Robert Tedrow and New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez to bring criminal charges of second-degree murder against the officers involved in the case. Reichel is requesting the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico to bring federal charges against the officers involved for federal civil rights violations.
A statement released by the Farmington Police Department said “The events of April 5th are part of an ongoing investigation. Our department is committed to cooperating with the New Mexico State Police for a thorough and fair investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Dotson’s death.”
The Statement added, “It is important to let the legal process take its course and not draw conclusions before all the facts are known. We will continue to cooperate with the appropriate agencies and provide updates to the public as the investigation progresses. We will continue to work with transparency and integrity.”
