Family of Redditch man shot dead by police continue call for answers as first anniversary of his death arrives
39-year-old Marcus Meade, originally from Birmingham, was pronounced dead at an address in Fownhope Close on 24 December
Nearly a year on since a man died after he was shot by police in Redditch following a standoff which lasted several hours, his family are continuing their call for the officer who fired the shot to be suspended and for answers over his death.
39-year-old Marcus Meade was pronounced dead at an address in in Fownhope Close last Christmas Eve.
Following his death West Mercia Police referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) who launched an investigation, which remains ongoing, into what happened.
The IOPC have said the investigation is now at an "advanced stage", and previously in its initial findings established officers had been called to the property at around 2pm that day following concerns over a person's welfare who reportedly had a knife.
It found over five hours later at around 7:40pm officers forced entry using distraction devices before a taser was discharged and a firearms officer fired a single shot which hit Mr Meade in the chest, immediate first aid was given but he died at the scene a short time later.
A group set-up in the name of the father of two, originally from Birmingham, are planning to deliver a petition to West Mercia Police today (22 December) demanding the firearms officer who fired the fatal shot to be stood down while the police watchdog investigation into his death continues.
A West Mercia Police spokesperson has previously said: "The officers involved have not been suspended and, after a period of reflection, have returned to duty".
"We're a year on and we're no closer at the moment to getting answers," said Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo, chairman of the Justice 4 Marcus Meade campaign.
"Clearly time has gone by and for Marcus' family clearly Christmas isn't going to be the same again.
"We're not going anywhere, we want answers and we want justice for Marcus."
In response a West Mercia Police spokesperson said it was "aware of a planned protest" and the force was working with the event organisers to "ensure a safe gathering for those attending".
It added: "We continue to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Marcus Meade as we approach the first anniversary of his death, our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident.
"The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) continues to carry out an independent investigation, and it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time; however, we will do so when we are able."
An IOPC spokesperson said: “First and foremost, our thoughts and sympathies remain with the family and friends of Marcus Meade and all those affected by his tragic death at this difficult time.
“Our investigation is at an advanced stage, with a significant amount of work already undertaken. We recently received expert reports which analysed the planning and execution of the firearms operation as well as its tactical delivery and we are now considering our next steps.
“We understand that Mr Meade’s family, quite rightly, seek answers to how events unfolded on 24 December 2024, which led to their devastating loss and we are fully committed to ensuring our investigation is as robust and thorough as possible.”