COLORADO SPRINGS — A neighborhood in Southeastern Colorado Springs is grieving, after they said a police officer shot and killed 19-year-old father-to-be De'Von Bailey. Hundreds of those people gathered on Sunday night to honor Bailey at a vigil near Adams Park.
The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is handling the investigation. So far, investigators have only said the officers were in the area for a "personal robbery with a weapon" when one of two suspects reached for a firearm at his waistband. At least one officer fired at the suspect, who later died at the hospital.
Those at the vigil have a different story, with one woman telling News 5 she saw an officer shoot Bailey around seven times in the back. Some of the people at the vigil even said they plan on speaking with city officials tomorrow to learn more about what happened, and how to prevent things like this in the future.
News5 asked Colorado Springs Police Lieutenant James Sokolik who is the spokesperson for the department about the comments and videos circulating on social media about the shooting. "I certainly couldn't make comments about something that's floating around on social media," said Sokolic.
"This ain't just a race, you know, being African American or black, this brings all types of individuals out and bringing them together so we can be able to help the kids and our future," said Dereck Bell, a family friend.
Candles were lit and balloons were released at the vigil, but many said there are still questions to be answered.
Under Colorado law, officer-involved shootings are not investigated by the agency involved in the incident. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office is the lead investigative agency in this case, taking over collection of evidence, interviews and presenting information to the District Attorney's Office for review. The process normally takes several months.
Previous reporting: Neighbors outraged over officer-involved shooting, vigil to be held tonight
