Relatives and lawyers for Emmitt Elijah Mayo, a 25-year-old Fort Worth rap artist known as 88dub, are calling on Fort Worth police to release complete, unedited officer camera recordings from the night police killed him. Mayo, who was also a father, died May 16 on Wiman Drive.
Family members, friends and attorneys gathered Thursday to ask for the full video and for an outside review of the shooting. They said the edited footage made public by the department does not provide the whole sequence of events. The family has also asked to meet with Police Chief Eddie Garcia.
Friends said Mayo had been expected to perform at a house party near Wiman Drive, in the area of Eastland Street and Miller Avenue, but a nearby shooting ended the event before his performance. A witness who was with him said Mayo later argued about payment for the canceled appearance, began firing during that dispute and was leaving the area when officers arrived.
Audio from body camera footage recorded an officer saying, "Drop the gun," before police fired. Fort Worth police released an edited video days later and said it showed Mayo aiming a gun toward officers. Garcia also described Mayo as a "validated gang member."
Police said a firearm was found on the sidewalk with a device that officials said illegally made it capable of fully automatic fire. Mayo’s father, Emmitt Mayo, said his son carried a gun for safety and said police were portraying him unfairly because he was armed.
Family members said Mayo was struck nine times and argue officers fired before allowing enough time for him to follow commands.
