In a civil damages trial that concluded today before U.S. District Judge Sean Cox, a member of the Detroit Fugitive Apprehension Team (“DFAT") was cleared of any wrongdoing in the shooting death of a fugitive wanted for armed robbery, announced United States Attorney Matthew Schneider.
While the loss of life in this case was tragic, the evidence clearly established that Agent Quinn acted in self-defense," said United States Attorney Matthew Schneider. “We are thankful that the jury carefully reviewed the evidence and agreed."
After a two-week trial, an eight-member jury found defendant Mitchell Quinn, deputized at the time as a U.S. Marshals task force officer, did not violate the constitutional rights of Terrance Kellom, a felon who was wanted on an arrest warrant for armed robbery, among other offenses. The jury deliberated less than three hours before returning their verdict of no cause.
According to the evidence presented at trial, agent Quinn acted in self-defense when Terrence Kellom attacked him with a hammer during the attempted arrest of Mr. Kellom on April 27, 2015.
The defense was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Helms and Zak Toomey with the assistance of paralegal Leanna Mayberry.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
