The shooting of Linzell Parhm by Officer Mason Wills during a traffic stop raises questions, leading to an ongoing investigation. Attorney Ben Crump has joined the case as FWPD releases edited footage of the incident.
Edited body cam footage from the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) has been released, capturing the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Linzell Parhm during a late-night traffic stop on Saturday, March 29. The footage shows Officer Mason Wills firing two shots after repeated warnings, leading to Parhm’s death. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for an investigation into the officer’s actions and FWPD protocols.
Footage Reveals Moments Leading to the Shooting
The incident occurred at 10:30 p.m. at the intersection of Hurd and John streets in southeastern Fort Wayne. Officer Wills stopped a red car, with Parhm seated in the passenger seat. Footage reveals Wills instructing Parhm and the driver to put their hands on the dashboard.
“Don’t reach around, you understand me?” Wills warns, to which Parhm responds, “Yes, sir, I understand.”
Shortly after, Parhm moves his left hand off the dashboard. Despite repeated warnings, Wills reacts, stating: “Don’t reach for that [expletive] gun or I’ll shoot you.” Parhm then lifts both hands. Seconds later, the video ends with the sound of two gunshots.
According to FWPD, a semiautomatic Draco AK pistol was later found on Parhm’s lap. Critics argue that the circumstances leading up to the shooting place the responsibility on the officer to de-escalate once he saw the weapon.
National Attention and Civil Rights Attorney Involvement
Following the release of the footage, Linzell Parhm’s family retained the services of national civil rights attorney Ben Crump, known for representing victims in high-profile cases of police violence. Crump, alongside Indiana-based attorney Stephen Wagner, released a statement questioning the officer’s decision-making and adherence to standard procedure.
“Why did Officer Mason Wills immediately escalate the situation? Why didn’t he back away and wait for backup rather than react to the presence of a weapon in a closed setting?” the statement read.
The family has called for peace during the investigation while expressing gratitude for the outpouring of condolences during this difficult time.
Concerns Over FWPD Protocol and Officer Conduct
The FWPD identified Officer Mason Wills as the officer involved in the shooting. He has served with the department since June 2017. While Wills’ personnel record includes positive commendations — including an Award of Excellence and letters of recognition in 2022 and 2023 — it also reveals prior disciplinary action.
Wills’ record notes two accidents with a patrol car and a suspension in 2019 for failing to conduct a proper search of a detainee. This information has brought added scrutiny to Wills’ approach during this fatal traffic stop.
Critics, including Parhm’s attorneys, have raised pressing questions:
- Why was the car stopped initially?
- Why did Wills approach an armed individual without waiting for backup?
- How did his actions escalate rather than de-escalate the situation?
The FWPD has yet to clarify the reason for the initial traffic stop, which has been flagged as pivotal in the investigation.
Parhm Remembered as “Promising Young Man”
Linzell Parhm’s family described him as a bright and promising individual whose life was tragically cut short. His death was ruled a homicide-police action by the coroner, with multiple gunshot wounds listed as the cause of death.
Attorney Ben Crump emphasized the need for transparency and accountability. “Time and evidence will tell us what happened, but it is clear that this is a devastating loss for Parhm’s family and the community he left behind.”
Community Reactions
The release of body cam footage to the media was met with mixed reactions. While videos are often withheld for ongoing investigations, FWPD’s decision to share edited footage — despite a denial from the city of Fort Wayne — reflects growing tensions between transparency and protecting the investigative process.
Local groups have expressed support for Parhm’s family while demanding a full review of FWPD policies on traffic stops and the handling of armed individuals.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
The tragic death of Linzell Parhm has reignited national debates about police accountability and de-escalation techniques during traffic stops. As the investigation unfolds, the community continues to mourn and seek answers.
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