State Attorney Robert Berlin announced on Wednesday that Illinois police officers involved in the fatal shooting of an unarmed man will not face criminal charges. The incident occurred in Carol Stream, Illinois, where a 30-year-old man named Isaac Goodlow was shot and killed by a police officer in his dark bedroom.
The prosecutor in DuPage County stated that the officer, who claimed self-defense, was deemed legally justified in using deadly force against Goodlow. According to Berlin, the evidence did not support filing criminal charges as it did not meet the standard of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The tragic event unfolded after police responded to a 911 call reporting a domestic violence incident involving Goodlow and his girlfriend. The woman had fled the apartment they shared, alleging that Goodlow had assaulted her, leaving her with injuries.
Despite attempts by the police to communicate with Goodlow and gain entry to the residence, he refused to cooperate. Eventually, officers entered the home after obtaining a key from a building employee. Body camera footage revealed that Goodlow made sudden movements as an officer opened the bedroom door, leading to the fatal shooting.
Goodlow's prior statements indicating a willingness to resist arrest or harm himself were also noted by investigators. His sisters have since filed a lawsuit against the officers and the police department, alleging the use of excessive force.
While acknowledging the loss of a human life as a tragedy, Berlin emphasized the importance of evidence in determining legal actions. The decision not to press charges against the officers underscores the complexities of such cases and the legal standards that must be met.
