Emanuel: Officer who fatally shot Rekia Boyd 'does not deserve to wear police star'

ByJade Hernandez WLS logo
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
McCarthy recommends Servin be fired
McCarthy agreed with an independent review board's recommendation to fire the officer who fatally shot an unarmed black woman in 2012.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- CPD Supt. Garry McCarthy recommended Dante Servin, the off-duty officer who fatally shot an unarmed black woman in 2012, be fired. Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Tuesday Servin "does not deserve to wear a police star."

Servin was found not guilty of involuntary manslaughter in April. In September, the Independent Police Review Authority recommended Servin be fired for the shooting death of Rekia Boyd, 22.

McCarthy said Monday that he agreed with the board's recommendation and said Servin showed "incredibly poor judgment."

"His actions tragically resulted in the death of an innocent young woman and an unthinkable loss for a Chicago family and community," the superintendent said.

The shooting happened in Douglas Park, which is close to Servin's home. He had told two couples at the park to keep the noise down. Harsh words were exchanged.

Servin said he saw one of the men pull out what he believed was a handgun and approached his car. The officer then fired five shots from inside his car at the group of people.

One of the bullets hit Boyd in the back of her head. She died the next day.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel released a statement Tuesday regarding Servin's conduct.

"As a result of Dante Servin's actions, a young woman who was an innocent bystander lost her life. He does not deserve to wear a police star or to patrol our communities, and today's decision is the right one for Chicago... We must also hold any officer who violates the values and professionalism of our police department accountable," the statement said in part.

The city settled a wrongful death lawsuit with Boyd's family for $4.5 million, but admitted no liability.

The Chicago Police Board will review McCarthy's decision and take further action.