SEDALIA, Mo. (AP) – A sheriff’s deputy who shot and killed a Missouri woman in June returned to work after an internal investigation found he had not violated any department policies.
The Pettis County sheriff’s deputy was reinstated last week after being on paid administrative leave since the June 13 death of Hannah Fizer, 25, during a traffic stop in Sedalia, Sheriff Kevin Bond said.
The deputy told investigators that Fizer said she had a gun and threatened to shoot him. Her family and friends have disputed that allegation and said Fizer would not have shot anyone. No gun was found in her car. Fizer was white, as is the deputy.
A special prosecutor announced last month that the deputy would not face criminal charges. The prosecutor said the deputy, whose name has not been released, had a reasonable belief that he was in danger.
The internal investigation began after the special prosecutor’s findings, The Sedalia Democrat reported. Bond said he asked also asked other sheriffs to review the internal investigation “considering the enormity of the case.”
Bond said the internal investigation found the office’s policies and procedures complied with state and federal law. The office has not changed its procedures involving use of force but is continuing to research that question, he said.
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