Talkline with Hoppy Kercheval  Watch |  Listen

NAACP leader calls for independent probe in Martinsburg

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The leader of the Berkeley County NAACP believes the shooting death of a black man by Martinsburg Police is just the tip of the iceberg. Hubert Smith, who became the president of the civil rights group in January, wants to hit the ground running.  He’s called for a full scale independent investigation into the shooting death of Wayne Arnold Jones.

An autopsy revealed Jones was shot 23 times by five Martinsburg police officers.  The shooting came after he was tazed by officers and refused to give up.  Police claimed  during his apprehension Jones pulled a knife and one of the officers was stabbed.

“Nobody has ever produced a knife,” said Smith on MetroNews Talkline. “How could a man lying the ground be a threat to five police officers with their weapons drawn.”

The Berkeley County Grand Jury refused to indict the officers.  Smith rejected the grand jury’s decision.

“I’m not satisfied with that at all because things can happen,” he said. “You just don’t know how that was presented, what was said and what wasn’t said.  It’s all done behind closed doors.”

Smith has penned a letter to U.S. Attorney Bill Ihlenfeld along with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and President Obama seeking an independent and thorough investigation.  He said the probe cannot be limited to just the Jones’ case.  He wants the entire Martinsburg Police department reviewed.  He says there have been other incidents since Jones’ death which have created a lot of problems.

“Police using profane language, not treating them right and ordering them around on the street,” said Smith. “There’s a lot of tension in Martinsburg right now and a lot of people fear the police.”

As for the Jones case, Smith doesn’t believe justice is served until the officers involved are removed.

“I think it was cold blooded murder in the streets of Martinsburg,” said Smith. “Someone has to stand up.”





More News

News
Pushkin predicts 'mass exodus' from state government jobs with elimination of tele-work policy
Democratic leader calls the move unfair.
March 29, 2024 - 11:39 am
News
MetroNews This Morning 3-29-24
Summary of West Virginia news, sports, and weather for Friday, March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024 - 6:24 am
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 29, 2024 - 1:23 am
News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm