GREENSBORO, N.C. —
Attorneys for the family of 17-year-old Nasanto Crenshaw reviewed the body cam footage before it was released to the public.
Crenshaw was shot and killed by a Greensboro Police officer on Market Street in Aug. 2022
According to a report from the Guilford County District Attorney, Corporal Matthew Sletten attempted to stop a Nissan Altima, driven by Crenshaw, shortly after 9 p.m.
Crenshaw and a 15-year-old passenger were the only two in the vehicle.
The report says Corporal Sletten approached the car, then the driver drove off.
Corporal Sletten then attempted to block the car in at a nearby parking lot.
The report says Cpl. Sletten fired 3 shots into the windshield and passenger side windows killing Crenshaw when he allegedly accelerated toward the officer.
Attorneys representing Crenshaw's family said he never accelerated directly toward the officer.
They said the body cam footage will show Crenshaw attempting to drive around the officer and Cpl. Sletten was never in danger.
"We're not here to argue this case in the court of public opinion. But one thing, as representatives of this family, we are not going to allow a narrative to be put out there that's simply not true, it's not true," said Attorney Harry Daniels. "Nasanto Crenshaw was killed unlawfully. When the video comes out, you don't have to take my word for it, the video speaks for itself."
Attorneys for Crenshaw's family have filed a lawsuit against GPD and Corporal Sletten.
"An officer, if he has a chance to avail himself to safety they are supposed to take that position as opposed to endangering the lives of others. Unfortunately, this officer did not do that and so what we have is a dead young person here. That should not be done," said Attorney John Burris.
Burris said the family of the 17-year-old victim wants the police department to take action against the officer who shot Crenshaw.
"The family wants the person to be prosecuted in the federal court -- a civil rights violation under federal court. Then, if they don't get that, then they'd rather termination," said Burris.
In a report released last month, Guilford County District Attorney Avery Crump said the deadly force, although tragic, was justified.
The DA said they are not going to charge Corporal Sletten in Crenshaw's death.
A judge has granted Greensboro Police Department's petition to have the body cam footage released.
A department spokesperson said that will likely not happen until April 25th.