Seattle Police Release Audio of Fatal Shooting of Pregnant Woman

Authorities in Seattle on Monday released the audio of an incident in which two white police officers fatally shoot a black pregnant woman over the weekend. The woman, identified as 30-year-old Charleena Lyles, a mother of four expecting her fifth child, had been suffering a mental crisis when she called police to report a burglary Sunday. In the audio released by Seattle police, officers can be heard shouting “Get back! Get back!” as a baby cries in the background, followed by several gunshots. Police say the officers fired at Lyles after she began waving a knife. Several of her children were present at the time, though authorities said they were unharmed. Lyles’ relatives are now questioning why police didn’t use one of several “less lethal force options,” as Lyles was known to have mental issues. The officers have been placed on paid administrative leave while an investigation is conducted.