By: Richard L. Smith
Attorneys representing the family of 55-year-old Susanne Clarke say newly released body-worn camera footage raises serious questions about the events leading to her fatal shooting by Lacey Township police officers on March 16, while state investigators continue reviewing whether the officers’ actions were legally justifiable.
According to a statement released by Clarke’s family and their attorney, Joshua S. Moskovitz of Rickner Moskovitz LLP, Clarke called 911 believing she was suffering a heart attack.
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The family contends that when officers arrived, it quickly became apparent she was not experiencing a medical emergency and repeatedly asked police to leave her property.
The family’s attorneys allege officers remained outside Clarke’s home for nearly 40 minutes, attempting to persuade her to come outside and, later, trying to gain entry into the residence.
They argue Clarke’s constitutional rights were violated when officers allegedly attempted to force open windows and ultimately entered the home.
The attorneys also dispute an officer’s claim that Clarke had stabbed her dog, calling the allegation “false” and asserting that body camera footage released by the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office does not support that assertion.
The family says Clarke was a longtime dog lover who had recently started a dog treat business and maintains their own investigation found no evidence the animal had been stabbed.
According to the family’s account, Clarke armed herself with a kitchen knife after officers entered her home because she feared for her safety.
Rather than confronting officers, the attorneys argue she attempted to flee through her backyard before she was shot multiple times on her own property.
Attorney Joshua S. Moskovitz said the videos reinforce the family’s belief that Clarke’s death could have been prevented.
“Today’s partial release of information confirms that Sue should still be alive, and her death is the result of dreadful decisions by the Lacey Township Police Department,” Moskovitz said. “We will continue to seek justice for Sue and demand answers and accountability.”
Moskovitz also challenged portions of the Attorney General’s public description of the incident, arguing the footage shows Clarke attempting to avoid officers rather than advancing toward them.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, which is conducting the investigation as required in fatal police encounters, previously stated that officers responded to a 911 medical call and that Clarke later exited her residence holding a knife before the encounter turned deadly.
The Attorney General’s Office has released body-worn camera footage and other evidence as part of its ongoing investigation but has not reached a final determination regarding whether the officers’ use of force complied with New Jersey law.
Because the investigation remains active, no conclusions have been announced regarding the legality of the officers’ actions.
The Clarke family is calling for accountability and urging lawmakers to examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, while state investigators continue reviewing the evidence before determining whether any criminal or administrative action is warranted.