Travis County, Texas, DA Deems Alleged Austin Police Shooting of Micah Jester Justified
On October 17, 2016, 26-year-old Micah Jester was allegedly shot and killed by officers with the Austin Police Department (APD). The alleged shooting was controversial and has been under investigation. The Travis County District Attorney’s office announced on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, that the alleged police shooting was justified. As a result of the DA’s finding, the case involving the two police officers allegedly involved in the shooting will not be brought before a grand jury and they will face no criminal charges in connection with Jester’s death.
The events leading to the alleged fatal police shooting began when a man contacted 9-1-1 saying Jester was in need of mental health assistance. When asked if she was armed with a weapon, the man vacillated. Two officers went to the scene. As they approached the apartment of the caller, Jester stepped from a breezeway that leads to the apartment. She rapidly walked on a sidewalk that led directly to the positions of the officers. She was allegedly pointing something at them, and both officers said it appeared to be handgun. It was later determined that Jester had been armed with a BB gun that resembled a handgun.
Facts surrounding Jester’s death were not immediately released. Two days after the incident, the officers provided more details. They said Jester was shouting for the officers to shoot her and kill her, all the while directing the weapon at the police officers. Jester reportedly failed to comply with commands to drop the weapon.
Both officers say they took cover and fired their weapons at her. Jester fell onto the sidewalk, but officers said she continued to make a move toward her weapon. When she eventually touched it, one of the officers discharged her weapon once again, striking Jester. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
The alleged fatal police shooting was investigated by the Internal Affairs Unit with the Austin Police Department, the department’s Special Investigations Unit, the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, and the Office of the Police Monitor.
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