LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Senator and former presidential candidate Kamala Harris said the Department of Justice should investigate the death of Louisville EMT Breonna Taylor.
Taylor's story has entered the national spotlight after high-profile attorney Benjamin Crump began representing her family in a lawsuit against the Louisville Metro Police Department.
Taylor, 26, was killed in an officer-involved shooting March 13. Assistant Chief Josh Judah said LMPD Narcotics detectives were attempting to execute a search warrant in the 3000 Block of Springfield Dr. Judah said detectives knocked several times and announced their presence in an attempt to get the people inside to open the door.
Judah then said they were met with gunfire after the apartment door opened. Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, Det. Brett Hankison and Det Myles Cosgrove returned fire, hitting Taylor eight times, killing her.
The family, though, alleges the shooting was botched. In an interview with TMX, Taylor's mother talked about shooting.
"I could hear Kenny screaming and crying and I could hear all of this noise. I'm like, 'what's going on Kenny?' He said, 'I think Breonna is...somebody was trying to break in here and I think they shot Breonna'," she said.
Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, said he was inside the apartment and began shooting when they attempted to enter the home. He and their neighbors said they did not hear police announce themselves.
"This young woman had a dream of becoming a nurse, and she's sitting in her apartment when she is killed by the police who were at the wrong place trying to serve a warrant," Harris said. "That's not justice, what has happened."
Louisville Metro Police says their Public Integrity Unit is investigating. Mayor Greg Fischer said he has spoken with Chief Steve Conrad and said "he is well aware of the need for a thorough investigation."
Gov. Andy Beshear released a statement saying the commonwealth attorney, U.S. attorney and Kentucky AG should review the investigation to "ensure justice is done at a time when many are concerned that justice is not blind."
"Police work can involve incredibly difficult situations. Additionally, residents have rights," Fischer said. "These two concepts will and must be weighed by our justice system as the case proceeds."
WHAS11 will have more information on the case, including information from the search warrant and arrest citations, tonight at 6 p.m.
RELATED: Mother of EMT shot, killed shares story as high-profile attorney represents family in LMPD lawsuit
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