On Thursday, Perry County District Attorney Andrew Bender announced that the shooter, Constable Clarke Steele, was in “imminent fear for his life” and therefore the shooting of Ciara Meyer, 12, was lawful. Her father, Donald Meyer, 57, had allegedly pointed a weapon at the officer during the January 11 eviction.
The bullet fired by the officer went through Donald Meyer’s arm and then fatally pierced Ciara’s chest as she stood behind him. The girl had been home sick from school and was said to be killed almost instantly.
— Anarchiam Sit Ordo (@dawood_khan) January 13, 2016
"Mr. Meyer's reckless conduct, knowing that his daughter was standing behind him, triggered a chain of events that tragically led to the death of Ciara Meyer," Bender said in the statement.
22 December 2014, 11:01 GMT
The family had owed $1,452.60 in rent, plus penalty fees, and was reportedly aware that they were going to be evicted.
Meyer was originally charged with several assault counts for pointing a semi-automatic rifle at the officer and is now charged with criminal homicide and endangering the welfare of a child, plus illegal possession of a firearm.
He was treated in the hospital and then released into custody where he is being held without bail in Perry County Prison.
