The Delaware NAACP is calling for an outside investigation after state troopers fatally shot a man in New Castle

New Castle, Delaware (CBS) – Family Attorney Tremaine Jackson, 28, of the Delaware NAACP is calling for an outside investigation into the fatal shooting by the Delaware State Police. last week.

Kobe Owens, an attorney for the NAACP’s Delaware chapters conference, said at a news conference Wednesday that they want any video of the incident, including body camera footage, released to the family and attorneys and so that the soldiers are “investigated” and held accountable for their actions.

Owens also said they want a federal investigation “pattern or practice” with state police, as well as U.S. Attorney David Weiss and U.S. Attorney Merrick Garland to open an investigation. Lawyers are concerned that a state police-led investigation would constitute a conflict of interest.

Owens said a letter was sent to Weiss, Garland and Delaware Governor John Carney and state Attorney General Kathy Jennings.

Jackson was shot dead last Thursday by two soldiers after he was accused of shoplifting from a hardware store. According to the state police, the soldiers allegedly saw Jackson leaving the store with a shopping cart full of items.

State police say Jackson resisted arrest and drove away, pinning an officer between the guardrail and the driver’s side door of Jackson’s car.

Police say Jackson refused to stop and two soldiers opened fire, fearing for their safety.

Jackson was taken to the area hospital, where he later died.

But the Jackson family and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People question the accuracy of this account.

“It looks like the state trooper’s car came to the side and pinned him to a barricade,” Owens said. “That’s just my take on the matter.”

“There was a place they took him to and there was no witness or anything. Now their word is between his word, and he can’t talk now because he’s dead,” said Richard Smith, president of the Delaware NAACP.

According to the state police, it was Jackson Under investigation for multiple crimes since July 2022.

Jackson’s ex-girlfriend, Island Clark, mourned his death on Wednesday during the news conference.

“Like why?” Clark said.

“I just want justice for him, I just want answers,” she added.

Now Clark’s sons, ages 5, 6 and 7, must grow up without their father.

“I’m angry, I’m hurt, I’m sad, I’m frustrated, I’m angry, I’m angry at the world, I’m angry at myself. I don’t know how to feel,” Clark said.

State police said the two soldiers were placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

In a statement, the Delaware State Police will not commit to releasing the video.

The agency asks for patience, saying the facts will be released once the investigation is complete.