Family wants homicide charges for officer that killed Wilkinsburg man

PITTSBURGH — The family of Romir Talley is urging the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office to file murder charges against the Wilkinsburg police officer who shot and killed Talley in December 2019.

“I want justice for Romir, and I support our police department. Neither is mutually exclusive,” said Wilkinsburg Mayor Marita Garrett.

Garrett sat down with Channel 11′s Michele Newell to discuss the investigation into the shooting death of Talley and discuss her role as mayor.

“I do not have a vote, nor can I make a motion, and nor do I have a say or final say in personnel decisions,” Garrett said.

Allegheny County police told Channel 11 that on the morning of Dec. 22, 2019, officers were called to the intersection of Penn Avenue and Wood Street. A 911 call was made about a man threatening a person with a gun.

Officers arrived and saw Talley, who they say matched the description of the suspect. After they approached Talley to speak with him about the incident, police say Talley took off running and shot at officers. Police shot back seven times, killing Talley.

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Garrett said she had met with the Talley family.

“Early July, I was granted the opportunity to meet with Romir’s mother, Ms. Latasha Talley, and her new attorney Paul Jubas. And at that meeting, I committed to them, specifically to attorney Jubas, that in any way I could offer assistance within this case to please let me know and reach out,” Garrett said.

Garrett said she also wants to clear the air about the name of the officer, which was released by the Wilkinsburg Council’s president last week.

Wilkinsburg police do not require their officers to wear body cameras, which is why Talley’s family is questioning the officer’s story.

The other reason is tied to Talley’s autopsy. His family has raised concerns about the use of force by the officer, including how many shots were fired by police.

“The district attorney can’t not charge, because that’s just going to continue to incentivize Wilkinsburg down this road of unacceptability,” said Paul Jubas, the attorney for the Talley family.

Garrett said she and several others knew the officer’s name last December but were advised by the solicitor not to release it because it was an active investigation and personnel matter.

“One of the things that I wanted to make clear is that council President Pam Macklin received the email with the information of the officer’s name, along with Councilwoman Paige Trice and myself, the same day that I did, which was December 22nd in the morning after the officer-involved shooting that happened,” Garrett said.

Garrett said the council president hasn't been transparent and has provided false narratives to the public.

“Councilwoman Macklin said that she was unaware if the officer was still working with our department or not. Obviously, that is an untruth because she is the president of council. Therefore, as I mention, that would have to approve any hiring or firing,” Garrett said.

Newell asked Garrett if she thinks Officer Robert Gowan should still be on the job.

“No comment at this time. There is still more info that is being put forth, as this is an open investigation, and that is why it is so crucial to have a final ruling sooner than,” Garrett said.

Newell also asked about demands that were announced today by Jubas, who is representing the Talley family.

“There is no bodycam dashcam footage in the Wilkinsburg Police Department. It’s unacceptable,” Jubas said.

“Council has denied our requests for bodycams, which would result in an increase of funding not only to purchase the equipment but to have maintenance as well,” Garrett said.

Jubas said the family of Talley is demanding the following:

1. The termination of Officer Robert Gowans from the Wilkinsburg Police Department;

2. Criminal homicide charges against Officer Robert Gowans following a swift completion of the Allegheny County Police Department’s investigation;

3. A rigorous and transparent trial of Officer Robert Gowans by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office.

Attorney calls for transparency during Wilkinsburg officer-involved shooting investigation Attorney calls for transparency during Wilkinsburg officer-involved shooting investigation

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