After investigation, death of local teen ‘accidental’

After investigation, death of local teen ‘accidental’

Crime, Policing, and Gangs, Champaign-Urbana

The brutal killing of 15 year-old Kiwane Carrington, leaves Champaign-Urbana in uproar. In response, protesters walk down University to morn the loss of Carrington and protest the decision making of the policeman.

Colleen Vest

The Daily Illini

15 December 2009

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Protestors walk along University Avenue during a march against police brutality in Champaign on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009. The march, organized by Champaign-Urbana Citizens for Peace and Justice, was held in the wake of the fatal shooting of Kiwane Carrington, 15, a Champaign student, on Oct. 9.
Wesley Fane The Daily Illini

Editors Note: This story was published in the Fall 2009 semester in review edition.

The Oct. 9 fatal shooting of 15-year-old Champaign resident Kiwane Carrington has caused community members to question the Champaign Police Department’s use of force policy and the actions of its officers.

Carrington and Jeshaun Manning-Carter, a 15-year-old Champaign resident, were approached by two police officers at 906 Vine Street, in Champaign, and a struggle ensued. The officers were called to the house after a neighbor reported a possible robbery.

Champaign police officer Daniel Norbits’ gun discharged during the struggle, killing Carrington. Champaign Police Chief R.T. Finney was also involved in the incident.

For nearly a month after the shooting, the Champaign County Multi-jurisdictional Investigative Team, made up of police officers from Urbana, the University, Illinois State Police, Rantoul and the Champaign County Sheriff’s office, investigated the incident before turning over their findings to State’s Attorney Julia Rietz.

Community members attended Champaign City Council meetings after the incident to show support for Carrington’s family and voice their opinions on the event.

At several meetings, community members called for Finney’s resignation or for him to be fired.

The Oct. 20 city council meeting, the first meeting following the shooting, was filled to capacity, with some people asked to sit in the lobby and watch the meeting on TV.
A look back at events after Carrington’s death:

Oct. 9 — Kiwane Carrington shot and killed
Oct. 14 — Hundreds attend candlelight vigil
Oct. 20 — Community members attend Champaign City Council meeting
Nov. 12 — Jeshaun Manning-Carter, the other 15-year-old boy involved in the incident, appeared in juvenile court
Nov. 12 — State Attorney Julia Rietz received the report about the investigation
Dec. 8 — Rietz said in report that the incident was an “accident” and Norbits will not be charged
Jan. 19, 2010 — Manning-Carter will reappear in court for charges involving aggravated resisting of a police officer; the burglary charge was dropped

“Finney is central to the problem,” said Danielle Chynoweth, Urbana resident and member of CU Citizens for Peace and Justice, at the Oct. 20 meeting. “That he would draw a gun on an unarmed child and let his staff do the same is unconscionable.”

Chynoweth cited the Champaign Police Department’s deadly force policy, which the department enacted on Oct. 1. She asked the council to re-examine it.

The city council called for a study session to discuss the use of force policy. A panel of police officers presented information on the policy at the Nov. 10 city council meeting.

“I think it is important for us to make a review, and then if we feel there are any changes that need to be considered, then we can direct the police department,” said Karen Foster, Champaign council member-at large.

Rietz issued a press release Dec. 8 that said Norbits would not be charged with Carrington’s death.

“The outcome of an event, regardless of how tragic that outcome might be, does not determine whether or not the event itself was a criminal act,” Rietz wrote.

“Although Carrington’s death is tragic, the evidence provided by the Illinois State Police investigation does not support the filing of criminal charges, and rather supports the conclusion that the shooting was accidental.”

According to a Dec. 7 press release, Finney requested the FBI to investigate the event.

“This request allows an independent outside review of this very tragic incident,” Finney stated in a press release. “We also understand the value of a third-party review in helping us learn from this incident and move forward.”

As for moving forward, Champaign Mayor Gerald Schweighart said the city will “follow the six steps outlined by (Champaign City Manager) Steve Carter,” which is a series of actions for increasing cooperation between the police and the community.

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