(Howard County, Md) —The family of Alexander LaMorie has released a statement following the deadly Howard County police shooting on Sunday which they say occurred after a call for a "wellness check".
In a statement, the family described 25-year-old "Alex", as "a kind, loving, and enthusiastic person, and a bright light in the community." He lived with autism but was an active student at the University of Maryland Global Campus and a public advocate for the autism and grief communities.
"He served on the advisory board for the Autism and Grief Project with the Hospice Foundation of America. Alex spoke publicly about autism and presented on panels at the San Diego Comic Con and before the Association for Death Education and Counseling where he offered help and advocacy for those experiencing grief and loss. Like many others with autism, he was dedicated and involved with keeping himself healthy and stable. If the circumstances required, he had a safety plan and knew to call others for help."
Investigators say when officers arrived, they encountered LaMorie in the parking lot carrying a knife. After he did not comply with commands to drop the weapon, officers fired their weapons.
The officers involved have been identified as Joel Rodriguez, a 2-year veteran; Officer Cody Bostic, a 6-year veteran; and PFC Joseph Riebau, a 10-year veteran. The Maryland Office of the Attorney General's Independent Investigations Division continues to investigate.
Body-worn camera footage is expected to be released within 20 business days.
The family is asking for compassion, understanding, and privacy as they grieve.
