The Omaha Police Department has completed an internal investigation looking into the actions of two officers that had contact with a suspected killer hours before a double homicide.
Two officers did violate a department policy, according to a media release. The release goes on to say they will receive internal discipline and remedial training.
However, the release goes on to say "based on the investigation there was no indication the officers acted in poor faith and there was no way the officers could have predicted Mr. Loyd's ultimate behavior when he returned approximately four hours later".
A check well being call came in just hours before Dontevous Loyd is suspected of killing Destacia Straughn and her 2-year-old daughter.
The mayor also released a statement Wednesday night following the results of the investigation.
"Chief Schmaderer has conducted a prompt, fair and thorough investigation of the incident and the actions of the officers. The Chief and I met with Destacia Straughn's family earlier this month to express our sympathy and ensure a complete review. I have confidence in the Chief's decision."
Complete media release:
The Internal Investigation into the contact Omaha Police Officers had with Dontevous Loyd on December 6th at 1913 hours has been completed.
During the December 6, 2015 Check the Well Being call which Officers responded to, the officers were dispatched at 1912 hours and arrived on call at 1913 hours. One officer returned to service at 1947 while the other returned to service at 2034 hours. One officer spent 82 minutes on the call and another spent 33 minutes. The responding officers ended up removing Mr. Loyd from the scene but did not feel there was enough probable cause to make an arrest.
The investigation analyzed the officers' actions in comparison to OPD Policies and Procedures when responding to this type of call. The officers' actions must be evaluated based on the information known to the officers at the time and not based on the tragic outcome with 20/20 hindsight.
"Based on the investigation there was no indication the officers acted in poor faith and there was no way the officers could have predicted Mr. Loyd's ultimate behavior when he returned approximately four hours later. The investigation did find a policy violation and the officers will receive internal discipline and remedial training. It is important to note, the only person responsible for these heinous acts is Mr. Loyd himself. The parents of Destacia Straughn have been contacted in advance of this press release to inform them of the outcome. Dec 6th will always be a heartbreaking day in the city's history and will serve as an annual reminder of the damaging effects of domestic violence." - Chief Schmaderer
Due to legal restraints that govern employee investigations where no law violations have occurred, the Omaha Police Department is prohibited from releasing specifics of the investigation.
