In what starts as Deven Guilford being pulled over for flashing his bright lights at a passing officer’s vehicle, in less than 6 minutes it ends with Guilford dead, laying in a snow bank on M-43.
Three disturbing videos, two of which were record by Deven himself, document the escalation of the seemingly unnecessary traffic stop. These graphic videos really speak for themselves. Although the officers body cam shuts off the instant before shots are fired, Devens cell phone is laying on the ground and still recording. The second video that Deven Guilford records (below) captures the horrific moments when he screams out as Sgt. Frost fires 7 shots.
The Eaton County Prosecutor, after reviewing the investigation by the Michigan State Police has determined to not bring any criminal charges against Sgt. Frost. Based on what we know at this time, our family believes that our son should not have been killed on the night in question. There was no reason or necessity for the officer to physically remove our son from the car without considering other options to avoid an unnecessary violent escalation. These options could have included, keeping Deven in the car to allow more time for the incident to cool down and/or wait for other officers to arrive. It must be also noted that Deven was not in possession (of) any weapon and emphatically told the officer that he was not armed. We also have serious concerns about whether the officer used unreasonable force against Deven under the circumstances. In this regard, there are questions about whether Deven should have been tased on the side of the roadway and whether the officer had the right to shoot and kill Deven in these circumstances. Ultimately, we encourage those want more information about the encounter to view the full video of the traffic stop leading up to the physical altercation between Deven and the officer. This video is available through the Michigan State Police Department and the Eaton County Prosecutor’s office. We believe this video raises more questions than answers regarding whether Deven should be alive today.
He had lost the taser during the struggle; it was found later between the scene of the struggle and the vehicles.
Frost said the Deven got on top of him, hitting him repeatedly. He could feel blood in his mouth, and feared he was losing consciousness.
The prosecutor said Sgt. Frost felt he had to defend himself and acted in a lawful manner.