Eaton County Deputy Sheriff Sgt. Jonathan Frost will not face charges in the February shooting of unarmed 17yr old Deven Guilford. Frost fired seven shots, all of which hit Guilford at close range. Guilford was shot once in the head, right chest, upper belly, left armpit, lower chest, right wrist and right forearm.
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.
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.
Video from Sgt. Frost’s body camera.
First video recorded by Deven.
Second video recorded by Deven.
The Guilford family who has filed a federal lawsuit, released a statement following the announcement that Officer Jonathan Frost would not face charges.
Around 8:00pm on February 28, 2015, our 17 year old son and brother, Deven Guilford, was killed as a result of being shot seven times by Eaton County Deputy Sheriff Sgt. Jonathan Frost. At the time, Deven was merely traveling to his girlfriend’s house after playing basketball at his church. Deven was stopped by the officer because Deven flashed his bright lights to alert the oncoming officer that his brights appeared to be on. Notably, Deven was the third person that the officer had pulled over that night for flashing brights at the officer, who was driving a brand new police vehicle with high-intensity head-lights. During this traffic stop, it appears that Deven was puzzled and confused about why he was pulled over and why he was being confronted by the officer. It appears that the officer did not make any reasonable inquiry of Deven that could have helped ease the tensions of the situation.
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.
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.
Sgt. Frost said that Deven came at him, striking him around the face. The two were in a field, a few feet away from Sgt. Frost’s vehicle.
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.
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.
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