Philando Castile’s family asks Dept of Justice to investigate his death

The family of Philando Castile has requested that the United States Department of Justice investigate his death.

Glenda Hatchett, the family’s lawyer, wrote in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch that “we do not believe that local law enforcement authorities will provide a fair and impartial review.”

In the letter, Hatchett also stated that the family felt Castile had been racially profiled and asked for criminal charges to be filed. “Officer Yanez’s excessive use of force and fatal shooting of Mr. Castile was unjustified and warrants criminal prosecution,” Hatchett wrote.

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Castile was shot dead by St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez after he was pulled over for a broken taillight. Castile complied with the officer, informing Yanez that he had a gun in the car that he had a license to carry and that he was reaching for his license to show to the officer.

“This time, we have a man complying with a police officer’s directions,” Hatchett said at a press conference last month. “This time, we’re telling you, ladies and gentleman, must be the last time.”

Castile’s case is currently being investigated by the Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.