A Georgia teen and marine hopeful was shot and killed by a policewoman who, according to the boy’s family attorney, mistook his Wii controller for a gun.
Officers came to the home of Christopher Roupe, 17, to serve a warrant to his father for a probation violation. Roupe answered the door and one of the officers shot him in the chest at point blank range.
Police claim the teen was holding a gun, and pointed it at the officer, prompting her to open fire. Roupe’s family attorney, Cole Law, says the boy was about to watch a movie using his console.
“The eyewitnesses on the scene clearly state that he had a Wii controller in his hand,” Law said.
“He heard a knock at the door. He asked who it was, there was no response so he opened the door, and upon opening the door, he was immediately shot in the chest. It just doesn’t add up.”
Police have yet to confirm if a weapon was found at the scene. Neighbor, Ken Yates, described the acting officer as visibly distraught after Roupe was killed.
“She put her head in her hands and she was sobbing,” Yates said. “Supposedly, he opened the door with a BB gun and in my opinion I think he was playing a game with his neighborhood buddies.”
The officer has been put on administrative leave.
Roupe was taken to a hospital in Cartersville where he was pronounced dead. The result of the investigation will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office, police said.
Thanks for bringing this to our attention jjbredesen