20-year-old man killed by Detroit police was dealing with mental health issues, family says
The family of 20-year-old Porter Burks wants answers as to why cops killed him instead of getting the help he needed.
Detroit (FOX 2) – Mentally ill man shot dead detroit police early Sunday morning. Now, 20-year-old Porter and his Burks family want answers as to why cops killed him instead of getting the help they needed.
“It’s a pain you can’t heal. My sister is hurt. We are hurt. You know he had mental health issues. You’ve told him before.” I’ve dealt with it, why kill him,” said porter Michelle Wilson.Aunt.
Family members said Burks called 911 Saturday night and Sunday morning because he had a knife. The family says Burks didn’t attack them.
Porter’s brother, Damond Anderson, said, “We just sent him EMS so they could put him back in psychiatry, and they just wanted him back in psychiatry.”
RELATED: Detroit police investigating deadly shooting involving officers Sunday morning
Detroit Police Chief James White says his officers found Burks with a knife in Snowden, near Lyndon on Detroit’s west side.
A witness told FOX 2 that officers tried to de-escalate and asked Burks to put the knife down.
Chief White says officers deployed tasers but did not stop Burks. According to witnesses, Burks then charged an officer, who shot him dead.
Chief White said the investigation is in its early stages and their department is working on transparency.
“Porter loves to dance. He was always smiling. He had some challenges dealing with mental health issues. Detroit helps people with health issues.” is needed.
