Martin Brown, 52, died after being shot by a St. Charles County officer on the evening of April 16, 2014. Neighbors and his wife had called police that night—his wife expressing concern about his mental state and a neighbor reporting fireworks and a confrontational attitude coming from his Clark Court residence. Officers found Brown holding what they perceived to be a large pistol. A Taser was used but did not subdue him. One officer, a 13-year veteran, fired nine rounds, striking Brown; he was taken to a hospital and pronounced dead. The item Brown held was later identified as a Marksman Repeater BB gun, and an autopsy showed a high blood alcohol content and no other drugs.

Investigators noted procedural problems: squad-car cameras were not recording, and there were inconsistencies in officers’ statements. One officer later suggested the incident might have been suicide by cop. No criminal charges were filed against the shooter; the officer was placed on administrative leave and no litigation followed. Questions remain about the encounter and the final minutes of Brown’s life.