"He was one in a million": The family of Sean Fitzgerald remember his life after lawful killing ruling
The inquest into the death of Sean Fitzgerald, who was shot by a firearms officer in 2019, in Coventry, found he was lawfully killed
After an extensive inquest that found that Sean Fitzgerald was lawfully killed, his family say they will continue to remember Sean for who he was and not the situation they have found themselves in.
Sean Fitzgerald was fatally shot by a firearms officer during a police raid at a property on Burnaby Road in Coventry, on the 4th January 2019.
More than six years after Mr Fitzgerald's death, the jury at the inquest of his death found that he was lawfully killed.
Whilst the decision was deeply painful for the family to hear, the verdict marks an end to a long legal process that has impacted the family since Mr Fitzgerald's death in 2019.
Outside Warwick Justice Centre, the family of Mr Fitzgerald embraced one another after the verdict.
Mr Fitzgerald's niece, Callie, says the ruling does not define their memory of Sean.
Callie said: "He was hyperactive, the life and soul, and the world has been a quieter place without him.
"His absence has made him greatly missed by everyone around him, his family and friends.
"He was one in a million."
Callie continued to reflect on the verdict and the impact the inquest has placed upon Sean's family: "For now we just need to spend a bit of time as a family.
"We want to remember Sean for who he was and not what this horrible situation we've found ourselves in.
"We won't ever stop believing that Sean was unlawfully killed."
Mr Fitzgerald's family have long campaigned for accountability and transparency surrounding his death, especially on the planning and preparation surrounding the raid by West Midlands Police.
The six week inquest thoroughly examined witness statements and evidence surrounding the operation such as the firearms training officers received and the strategy that took place that night.
West Midlands Police response
Assistant Chief Constable Damian Barratt said:
"We note the conclusion of lawful killing that the jury at Leamington Justice Centre has returned today following the inquest concerning the death of Sean Fitzgerald and we offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr Fitzgerald.
"The inquest has been complex and challenging for all those involved.
"We note the points raised within the findings and will ensure that these are fully considered in order to identify any learning in future operations.
"Armed policing is complex and challenging and our firearms officers put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public on a daily basis, and undergo continuous rigorous training to ensure they are suitably equipped for such a vital and demanding role."
IOPC response
Independent Office for Police Conduct Director Derrick Campbell said: “Sean Fitzgerald’s death has had a profound impact on his family and friends and our sympathies remain with them. We also recognise the effect this has had on the police officers involved.
“Over the past five weeks the inquest has carefully considered the evidence provided by our investigation, as well as additional evidence, and we note the conclusion the jury has reached today.
“Our investigation, which concluded in December 2023, examined not only the shooting itself, but the wider circumstances, including the intelligence and decision making in the planning of the operation. Having considered all the evidence, a range of expert opinion and applying the legal thresholds which govern our work, we concluded there was sufficient evidence to indicate that the officer who fired the fatal shot may have breached the police professional standards regarding his use of force and therefore had a case to answer for gross misconduct. West Midlands Police were directed to hold a misconduct hearing, although it was agreed that should not be progressed until after the conclusion of the inquest proceedings.
“We determined the evidence did not meet the threshold for a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider whether the same officer should face a criminal charge in relation to the shooting.
“This was a complex investigation and we recognise our enquiries took far longer than expected. We understand the impact this has had on everyone concerned and will carefully review, as soon as possible, whether any of the additional evidence heard at the inquest impacts on our previous decision making.
“We will continue to liaise with Sean Fitzgerald’s family, West Midlands Police and the officer’s representatives.”
As the legal chapter closes, the family of Sean Fitzgerald now turn to the future of remembering their loved one.