Texas Police Officer Shoots And Kills 93-Year-Old Woman Inside Her Home
A Texas police officer reportedly shot and killed a 93-year-old woman inside her home. On Tuesday evening, the Hearne Police Department was called to the Karney Street home on reports of a disturbance. Although the details are unclear, witnesses said a male officer eventually shot Pearlie Golden at least five times.
Attorney Coty Siegert, who serves as the Robert County District Attorney, said officers were dispatched to Golden’s home following reports of a disturbance. Although he did not elaborate, Siegert said “it was not a random encounter.”
According to KXXV News, officers were responding to a report that Golden was in possession of a gun. Authorities confirmed that two officers responded to the scene. Following their arrival, witnesses reported seeing and hearing gunfire.
Golden was transported St. Joseph Hospital for treatment. However, she was pronounced dead on arrival.
The Texas police officer accused of shooting the 93-year-old woman was placed on paid administrative leave. Authorities said the leave is part of standard procedure. The unidentified officer has been with the Hearne Police Department for fewer than two years.
As reported by KBTX News, Golden will be remembered as a “sweet, sweet woman.” Neighbor Lawanda Cooke was devastated by the incident.
“Even if she did have a gun, she is in her 90’s… They could have shot in the air to scare her. Maybe she would have dropped it. I don’t see her shooting anyone.”
Although some reports have suggested Golden was armed, authorities have not confirmed the information. It is unclear what transpired at the scene, as the Hearne Police Department has not issued an official statement.
Authorities did confirm that Golden was the only person injured in the incident.
District Attorney Siegert said the case will be presented to the grand jury, which is standard procedure. The Robertson County District Attorney’s Office and Texas Rangers are currently working together to assess exactly what happened.
As stated on their Facebook page, the Hearne Police Department employs a total of 12 officers, four reserve officers, and six communications officers.
It is difficult to imagine what prompted the Texas officer to shoot the 93-year-old woman. However, if Golden was in possession of a weapon, the officer may have felt threatened. It is unclear whether the elderly woman was alone inside the home when the shooting occurred. A spokesman for the police department said a press release will be issued when the facts of the incident are clear.
[Image via Facebook]
