Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced that the Bureau of Criminal Investigation has referred two investigations regarding two fatal shootings by police officers in Central Ohio to the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney.
This includes the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant by Columbus Division of Police officer Nicholas Reardon in April.
BCI interviewed 18 witnesses — including 15 civilians and three law enforcement officers. BCI also reviewed cellphone and telephone records, 911/phone communications, body cameras, dash cameras and surveillance video and other evidence.
BCI also investigated the fatal shooting of Andrew Teague, 43, by Columbus Police Officer John Kifer and Deputy Michael Severance in March. That investigation included interviews with 19 civilian witnesses and nine law enforcement officers, and the review of body cameras, dash cameras, helicopter footage, witness cellphone cameras and other evidence.
BCI investigations do not include determinations of fault.
The investigations have been referred to Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Gary Tyack’s office, where the legal justification for use of force will be determined by his office and/or a grand jury.
BCI has been requested to conduct 41 investigations into use of force incidents this year.