ABC/Randy HolmesEarlier in the week, T-Boz spoke out on social media about the recent shooting death of her cousin, Eddie Russell Jr., whom she believes was shot 18 times by cops who, she claims, knew he was mentally ill.
Now, the TLC singer tells TMZ that Russell’s mother, Anita Johnson, plans to sue the Peoria police department in Illinois.
In a video on the website, T-Boz says, “It’s unjust. The crime doesn’t fit the punishment.”
She continues: “The fact that people can actually murder people and still breathe and walk out with the cops and this child had a non-violent record, never hurt anyone ever in his life. He was mentally ill. The police aren’t equipped to deal with mentally ill patients.”
T-Boz also says there are conflicting accounts about the incident. “The fact that it’s just so many different stories and lies, and then you won’t even speak,” she says.
“Somebody’s life was taken. But 18 times? It wasn’t a standoff. He didn’t come out shooting.”
As previously reported, Russell Jr. was in an armed robbery that took place at Peoria, IL’s First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust on September 20.
He was shot later that day by police.
Police Chief Jerry Mitchell stated police only fired five or six shots at Russell Jr., whom he claims “advanced aggressively” toward them.
However, the Peoria Journal Star reports that 18 to 20 gunshot wounds were found in Russell Jr.’s body, per an autopsy report.
The investigation is currently being handled by the Illinois State Police.
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