Attorneys representing the family of Rashaud Terrelle Johnson, 32, have filed a wrongful death lawsuit following his fatal shooting by Aurora Police Officer Brandon Mills on May 12 near Denver International Airport.
Johnson was shot in a field next to The Parking Spot parking facility at East 56th Avenue and Himalaya Street. The Adams County Coroner’s Office later identified him.
The lawsuit alleges Johnson was unarmed and experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the encounter.
Police Account of the Shooting
Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain stated in May that officers responded to reports of a suspicious person believed to be attempting to break into vehicles at the parking lot.
According to the department:
- Officer Brandon Mills encountered Johnson in a field near the lot.
- A physical struggle occurred between Mills and Johnson.
- Johnson allegedly pulled a magazine containing extra ammunition from Mills’ belt pouch during the struggle.
- Mills disengaged, drew his firearm, and ordered Johnson to get on the ground.
- Johnson walked toward Mills despite commands to stop.
Body-worn camera footage released by the department shows Johnson moving toward Mills after being ordered to stop. Mills is heard stating, “I’m gonna shoot you if you do not get on the ground,” before firing.
Chief Chamberlain stated that a person does not need to possess a weapon to pose a danger.
Family’s Allegations
Attorneys with Rathod Mohamedbhai LLC, representing Johnson’s family, dispute the department’s narrative.
Attorney Neil Sandhu stated that:
- Parking lot employees made multiple 911 calls reporting Johnson was not armed.
- Employees requested assistance for a man in distress rather than enforcement action.
- Johnson did not pose an imminent threat of serious bodily harm.
Johnson’s mother, Taushica Carter, publicly stated that her son was unarmed and experiencing a mental health crisis.
The family’s attorneys also released toxicology information, stating that:
- No illegal drugs were detected.
- Cannabinoids were present in urine.
- Delta-9 THC was detected in blood.
State court records show Johnson had no violent criminal history.
Investigation Status
The shooting is under review by the 17th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). The 17th Judicial District Attorney’s Office has not yet issued a decision letter regarding potential criminal charges.
Aurora City Attorney Pete Schulte confirmed that:
- The independent CIRT investigation remains ongoing.
- An internal administrative investigation by Aurora Police is also underway.
- No charging decision has been announced.
The City Attorney’s Office has stated it will defend the city and the officer in the wrongful death lawsuit.
Consent Decree Context
The Aurora Police Department entered into a consent decree with the Colorado Attorney General’s Office following the 2019 death of Elijah McClain.
That investigation concluded that Aurora Police had engaged in a pattern and practice of racially biased policing and excessive force.
The department remains under oversight related to reforms outlined in that agreement.
Recent Officer-Involved Shootings
In recent years, Aurora Police have faced public scrutiny in other fatal encounters, including:
- The 2023 shooting of Kilyn Lewis during a SWAT operation.
- The 2023 shooting of 14-year-old Jor’dell Richardson, who was carrying a BB gun.
Each case has been reviewed under independent investigative procedures.
Current Status
As of this publication:
- A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed.
- The DA has not issued a charging decision.
- The officer remains under internal administrative review.
- No criminal charges have been announced.
Cop Talk LIVE will update this article if the District Attorney issues a decision letter or if additional verified information is released.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Rashaud Johnson armed?
Police stated he pulled a magazine from the officer’s belt pouch, but the department has not stated that Johnson possessed a firearm.
What did toxicology show?
According to the family’s attorneys, no illegal drugs were detected. Cannabinoids and Delta-9 THC were present.
Has the District Attorney filed charges?
No charging decision has been announced.
Is the department under oversight?
Yes. Aurora Police are operating under a consent decree entered after the 2019 Elijah McClain case.
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