The Iowa Public Information Board voted Thursday in favor of the family of a Burlington woman who was shot and killed by police in January.
The family of the victim, along with the Burlington Hawkeye newspaper, want authorities to release a body cam video, 911 recordings, and paperwork surrounding the shooting.
Attorneys for the Burlington Police Department and the Iowa Department of Public Safety argued that the materials are not covered by Iowa’s open records law. But, by a vote of 4-3, the board disagreed. “I’m uncomfortable with having law enforcement determine what should and shouldn’t be released,” Monroe said.
In addition, Monroe notes body cams weren’t in use when the open records law was adopted. “Even the mayor of Burlington, which the police report to, wants this video released,” Monroe said. The case now goes to an administrative law judge for consideration.
On January 6th, Officer Jesse Hill was called to break up a fight and fired his weapon when he was attacked by a dog. Hill shot twice at the dog, but at least one of the shots hit and killed 34-year-old Autumn Steele. A county attorney decided in February not to file charges against Officer Hill.
(Thanks Joyce Russell, Iowa Public Radio)