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58 days and no answers in Michael Dean case

Michael Dean
Posted at 7:47 AM, Jan 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-01 12:18:43-05

TEMPLE — Nearly two months have passed since young Temple father of two, Michael Dean, was killed during a traffic stop with the Temple Police Department.

Dean was killed in an officer-involved shooting in Temple on December 2, 2019.

The Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences declared Dean's death a homicide by gunshot wound to the head.

A peace officer involved injuries or death report shows that Michael Dean did not carry, exhibit or use a deadly weapon when he was killed by a police officer.

58 days later, the Dean Family and the Temple community still no answers as to why Dean was shot during the traffic stop.

The Dean Family's Reverend, James Hill telling us 58 days after the shooting "we all understand that this is wrong but those we trust to do the right thing chose to seem like to air on the side of wrong, rather than do the right thing, its just taking absolutely too long."

Temple City Mayor, Tim Davis explaining to us "everyone wishes it was faster and I know that everyone involved with the City of Temple is anxious to have this wrapped up."

Mayor Davis further explaining "this case was handed over the very same day to the Texas Rangers and the texas rangers have to go through their process."

On Dec. 10, police identified the officer involved as 51-year-old Carmen DeCruz. He has been with the department for 9 years.

Dean's many supporters explaining Officer Decruz currently on paid administrative leave is only further frustrating the community.

Bell County District Attorney Henry Garza told 25 News on January 14, "My office has been in conversation with the Texas Rangers and have been updated as the investigation has progressed.""As of today, I can report that while the investigation is still ongoing, my office is beginning to review some of the material that has been submitted by the Texas Rangers. Once the Texas rangers complete their investigation, my office will review the material to determine an appropriate course of action."