Two years ago, Darius Lester, a young black man in rural West Virginia, was shot by a West Virginia State Police SWAT team while still in his bed during a botched pre-dawn raid while executing a search warrant at his uncle’s home. Despite the passage of two years, the state police still have not released the findings of their investigation into the shooting. The reason? They were most likely waiting the two years the victim had in which to sue them.
DJ was driving to the store to get feed for his numerous farm animals. He was driving his crappy little “farm car” that did not have a valid inspection sticker. He was pulled over for that reason by the Martinsburg (WV) Police Department. Instead of being issued a warning or citation for the inspection issue, within seconds he ended up being arrested. Despite having committed no crime, other than the inspection sticker violation, he ended up being taken to jail in handcuffs and charged for being a drug dealer. All charges were subsequently dropped. A lawsuit was filed.
On the evening of February 12, 2023, Edmond Exline was walking alongside Interstate 81 outside of Martinsburg, West Virginia. A West Virginia State Trooper approached Edmond and immediately pulled his firearm and pointed it at Edmond. He then switched to a taser and pushed Edmond into the highway and chased him against a concrete barrier. The trooper then repeatedly tased Edmond and called for backup. Two additional West Virginia State Troopers arrived on the scene and immediately began to physically attack Edmond. On of the troopers struck Edmond in the head with his flashlight before repeatedly striking Edmond in the face and tasing him. Another trooper slammed Edmond’s face into the concrete repeatedly and struck Edmond in the face multiple times. Edmond was also kneed multiple times.
Throughout the attacks by these West Virginia State Troopers, Edmond stated, “I didn’t do nothing.” … “You’re hurting me.” … “I need to breathe.” … “Let me up. I need to breathe.” … “I didn’t do nothing.” … “You’re trying to kill me.” After physically attacking Edmond the troopers attempted to stand Edmond up while he was handcuffed and realized he was unresponsive. Edmond Exline was taken to the Berkeley Medical Center and pronounced dead at approximately 10:31 p.m. During the time the troopers physically attacked Edmond Exline, he was unarmed, was not committing any crimes, and was not under the influence of any alcohol or narcotics.
The July 2024 statement from the West Virginia State Police:
