Family of teen shot, killed by Henry County officer hires civil rights attorneys

The family of a Henry County teen shot and killed by an officer announced they have hired two prominent civil rights attorneys.

Tyrie Howse was killed on Nov. 3 near the Krispy Kreme on Hwy 138. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation said that a Henry County officer shot Howse after he was told to drop a gun and didn’t.

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On Thursday, civil rights attorneys Harry Daniels and Gerald Griggs said they are now representing the 16-year-old’s family.

“This was a good kid with a bright future,” Daniels said. “He was 16 years old and he wasn’t a threat to anyone. But this officer stole everything he was and everything he was going to be tearing a hole in this family that will never be filled.”

The family’s attorneys have not specified what legal action, if any, that they plan to take.

The officer who shot Howse has been placed on administrative leave. In a statement earlier this week, the Henry County Police Department said they “understand the community’s desire for answers and transparency.”

“We recognize that many questions remain, including requests for the release of body-worn camera footage and other evidence. Because this is an active investigation, that evidence is being handled as part of the GBI’s investigative process,” police said.

The GBI’s last update on the case was on Nov. 4.

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• Officer involved in deadly shooting of 16-year-old placed on administrative leave
• Teen killed by police near Krispy Kreme identified as honor roll student

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