Jay Anderson Family Press Conference–Short

Footage shot by video journalist Isiah Holmes during a press conference held at the home of Jay Anderson’s parents. Anderson was killed five months ago by a Wauwatosa Police Officer identified as Joseph Mensah by the family. Now that the case is that old, however, officials appear more confident in attaching his name to the slaying. Anderson, 25 years old, was shot several times in the head while sleeping in his car.

Evidence from the scene as well as family testimony indicates he was intoxicated. As a result, he’d pulled over in Madison Park to it off before continuing home. Investigators reputedly determined that Anderson sat alone in the lot for two hours before Mensah approached. Anderson’s interaction with Mensah, though largely undocumented, most likely lasted several minutes. It only took 60 seconds, however, for Mensah to fire after claiming to have seen a gun on the seat. It’s unclear whether Mensah was aware of the gun–which he claims was on the front seat–during the several minutes of contact.

Mensah approached the car without waiting for backup, or activating his camera’s. According to officials, and Mensah’s statement, he attempted activate a body cam but failed. Although footage from a squad the family say’s was labeled 318 exists, only about 20 seconds of footage was released. A much clearer version of the same blurry footage, along with a version showing thermals, were also withheld. Federal prosecutors agreed to investigate shortly after DA John Chishom ruled no charges against Mensah.

Two press conferences were held the day of the release. Whereas the Anderson’s expected press in there home around 5, Wauwatosa PD held theirs an hour earlier. Family members suspected this was done so that it would be difficult to impossible of them to attend. Before going before press camera’s, Jay’s mother Linda offered a private dialogue. Footage of the entire press conference shot by Holmes is coming soon.