Kansas City Police Officer Facing Possible Federal Charges for Fatal Shooting of Black Man

Former Kansas City police officer Eric DeValkenaere is facing the possibility of federal charges in addition to his current state charges for the shooting and killing of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb in 2019. U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips ruled that DeValkenaere violated Lamb’s constitutional rights when he entered his backyard without a warrant and shot him within seconds.

The incident occurred after Lamb got into an argument with his ex-girlfriend, resulting in a police chase. DeValkenaere and another officer approached Lamb’s vehicle as he pulled into his driveway, with DeValkenaere entering the backyard from the opposite side and shooting Lamb, who died on the scene.

During his trial, DeValkenaere claimed Lamb pointed a gun at his colleague, but prosecutors argued that the scene was staged to make it appear as though Lamb was a threat. Judge Phillips noted that there was no legal reason for DeValkenaere to be in the backyard without permission or a warrant.

DeValkenaere was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in 2021 and is currently serving a six-year prison sentence. The ruling opens the possibility of federal charges for violating Lamb’s Fourth Amendment rights.

While the judge did not offer a judgement on the family’s claims of excessive force, a wrongful death lawsuit against DeValkenaere and the Kansas City police board is still pending. The case continues to spark outrage and calls for justice in the community.