In a surprise announcement following a closed-door meeting on Tuesday, Greensboro City Council announced it would not pursue an independent investigation into the death of Marcus Smith, or into police procedures that may have been a factor.
Activists have been calling for accountability in the death of the 38-year-old Smith, who died in police custody in 2018. Smith had been homeless and apparently experiencing a mental health crisis when officers wrestled him to the ground and used a restraint method known as “hogtying.”
No charges have been filed despite his death being ruled a homicide, and some of those demanding justice have called him “Greensboro's George Floyd.”
The News & Record reports that following a scheduled budget discussion at Tuesday's meeting, the council met privately with the city attorney.
After that meeting, Councilwoman Michelle Kennedy read a brief statement saying that on the advice of the attorney, the city would not pursue an investigation at this time.
Kennedy said that she had originally requested an independent investigation but made no further comment.
Following the announcement, local activist Lewis Pitts said the closed session violated state open meeting laws, and fit a pattern of city government “seeking secrecy” while claiming transparency.
Smith's family filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in 2019, which remains ongoing.