DOJ monitoring Stewart probe

The Department of Justice is monitoring the state’s investigation of the death of Darrius Stewart, the 19-year-old who was shot by a Memphis Police Officer following a traffic stop, U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen said Monday.

The Department of Justice also indicated it would take appropriate action if civil rights violations occurred.

Stewart, who was black, was fatally shot July 17 by Connor Schilling, a white police officer, in the 5700 block of Winchester near Hickory Hill Road after a traffic stop. Police said Stewart attacked Schilling when he tried to handcuff him while verifying warrants.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation took over the investigation and handed over its findings to District Attorney Amy Weirich in August.

Cohen sent a letter to Attorney General Loretta Lynch in July asking for DOJ oversight in the investigation.

“I am pleased the Department of Justice is monitoring the investigation,” Cohen said in a release Monday.

“The shooting of Darrius Stewart by a Memphis police officer raised serious questions that must be answered. With the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s records regarding this incident sealed under state law, we need the Department of Justice to ensure the case is handled appropriately at the state level.”