Zilly Linzill Fort Wayne IN Death – On a quiet Saturday night in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a routine traffic stop turned deadly when a police officer shot and killed Zilly Linzill, a licensed cosmetologist and community worker, in the city’s southern area.
The incident occurred around 10:31 pm at the intersection of John and Hurd streets. This tragic event has left the community in shock and raised numerous questions about the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
According to the Fort Wayne Police Department’s statement, the officer discharged his weapon due to actions from the occupants inside the vehicle, although the statement did not specify the nature of these actions or whether anyone in the vehicle was armed or subsequently arrested.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Zilly Linzill was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite life-saving measures being attempted both at the scene and in the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.
Linzill was a well-known figure in the community, not only for his work as a licensed cosmetologist but also for his role at the Euell Wilson Center, where he inspired young people with his dedication and positive influence.
The incident is currently under investigation, and the Fort Wayne Police Department has assured the public that they will conduct a thorough and impartial review. This investigation is crucial to understanding what transpired that night and determining whether the use of deadly force was justified.
A video of the incident, posted on Facebook, has become a focal point for public attention. The video begins with a Fort Wayne police officer standing in front of a red car at the intersection of John Street and Hurd Street.
A witness, who claims to have taken the video, can be heard informing the officer that he is recording the event. The officer acknowledges this and instructs the person recording to stay back, an indication that the officer was aware of being filmed, which could influence his actions and statements.
In the video, the person recording repeatedly urges the occupant of the red car to “put your hands up.” The tension in the video is palpable, with the officer also shouting, “Don’t reach for the [expletive], don’t [expletive] dare.” The individual recording the video continues to urge the person inside the car to comply with the officer’s commands. Moments later, the officer fires his gun twice at Linzill, who was inside the red car.
Following the shooting, the officer involved was placed on paid administrative leave, as is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings. This policy is intended to allow for a comprehensive investigation into the incident without the officer’s presence potentially influencing the outcome. The administrative leave also serves to protect the officer’s well-being during the period of investigation.