The officer who shot and killed Philando Castile has been placed on administrative leave … again.
Jeronimo Yanez, the St. Anthony police officer who killed Castile on July 6 had been placed on leave immediately following the killing of Castile, but was allowed to return to desk duty in mid-August. News that Yanez was back to work sparked protest outside of the St. Anthony Police headquarters and the department decided to return the officer to leave status citing community concerns and public feedback.
“It was a slap in the face in the first place that he was allowed back in uniform,” said Clarence Castile, uncle to Philando Castile. “But with the community support he was sent back home.”
Much of the community has been in an uproar since the immediate aftermath of the shooting was broadcast on Facebook by Philando Castile’s girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds. In the now infamous video, Philando Castile can be seen bleeding from a gunshot wound as he is still strapped in his seatbelt. Reynolds said Yanez told them they were pulled over because of a broken taillight, but police audio suggest Yanez pulled over Philando Castile because of his “wide set nose,” saying he fit the description of a robbery suspect. Philando Castile was legally armed at the time of the stop and, according to Reynolds, when he alerted Yanez to his firearm and attempted to retrieve his carry permit he was immediately shot.
Clarence Castile said the St. Anthony Police Department was out of bounds for allowing Yanez to return to work.
“He’s (Yanez) still under investigation. He hasn’t been exonerated of this crime,” said Clarence Castile. “He had no business being back in uniform. For them it was like back to business as usual. It was horrible. It was a disgrace.”
The investigation into the July 6 killing is being handled by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and once completed will be handed over to the office of Ramsey County Attorney John Choi. Choi has hired outside attorney Don Lewis to head the Ramsey County investigation. Though Lewis is African-American, many have expressed concern because of his connection to law enforcement. Lewis, a former assistant United States Attorney for Minnesota, was called as the independent prosecutor in the Minneapolis police misconduct matter in the arrest and beating of community activist, Al Flowers. No charges were brought against the officers in that case.
Clarence Castile said the fact that the investigation is still ongoing is not a cause for concern.
“We too want a thorough investigation as to why Philando was shot and to why he was pulled over in the first place,” said Clarence Castile.
Calls to the St. Anthony Police Department were directed to St. Anthony City Manager Mark Casey, who was not available for comment at time of press.
