The Los Angeles Times reports that the LAPD and the department’s independent watchdog have found the death of an unarmed, mentally ill black man justified. Ezell Ford was shot to death by two officers last year after allegedly fighting one of the officers for his gun. Department investigators found scratches on both Ford’s and officer Sharlton Wampler’s hands, as well as on Wampler’s holster, according to sources “with knowledge of the investigation.” Ford’s DNA was also found on the weapon. LAPD inspector general Alex Bustamante found fault with how the officers approached Ford in the moments before the shooting, however. No explanation was ever given for why Ford was stopped.
