Police Officers Invoke Fifth Amendment Against Self-Incrimination During Derek Williams Inquest

Posted on

The Inquest into the death of Derek Williams in Milwaukee Police Department (“MPD”) custody continued into its third day on Wednesday, February 13, 2013. During the Inquest, seven members of the MPD, two sergeants and five officers, refused to testify, invoking their Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination. Inquest Special Prosecutor John Franke could offer the MPD members immunity from prosecution, which would then compel their testimony, although he said that such a measure is “unlikely.” Day 3 of the Inquest also saw testimony from the girlfriend of Derek Williams, who said that she could hear Mr. Williams stating that he could not breathe while he was in the back of an MPD squad car. Mr. Williams died after the MPD officers involved in his arrest ignored his pleas for help while he was in the squad car. Read more about the Inquest into the death of Mr. Williams in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel here.

The civil rights attorneys of Samster, Konkel & Safran represent Derek Williams’ girlfriend and their three young children. Please continue to check this website for continuing updates regarding the Derek Williams Inquest.

Get in touch with us today to get started with your FREE case review. We’re only a call, click, or short drive away.