'Michael was complying,' his mother Betsy Conlon said tearfully. Eventually police convinced him to drop the knife. But records from the inquest show that Michael was asking to talk to his father, and was threatening to harm himself. There is no body camera footage from that day.

'There's tons of officers in that building,' Conlon said. The inquest, Conlon said, showed the scene was chaotic. State police also responded to the call, and several officers were crowded into a third floor hallway, talking with Michael and waiting for trained negotiators to arrive. When police responded, Michael ran into his apartment building.Īlthough a social worker was with police when they arrived, she stayed outside because of safety concerns. Michael was under a doctor's care at the time of his death and was working with a community group that provides housing to clients who are willing to attend programs and therapy.Īccording to an inquest into the shooting, a Newton business owner called police because Michael appeared'unhinged' and was carrying a kitchen knife. Michael was fearful of police, expressed thoughts of suicide and sometimes had delusions that reality was a simulation. (Jesse Costa/WBUR)Ĭonlon said police were aware of his son's mental health struggles. It's absolutely stunning.' Michael Conlon's grave in Medfield. Michael was in very good spirits,' Conlon said. 'In the morning he helped us take down the tree and there was nothing unusual. They had spent the holidays together at the family's Medfield home and Michael, who was 28, appeared to be doing well despite mental health challenges that included a diagnosis of schizophenia and bipolar disorder.Ī short time later, authorities told his father that Michael had been shot and killed by Newton police. Michael's father, Robert Conlon, said he took his son back to his Newton apartment on Jan. They argue their son's death could have been avoided if police had followed best practices and waited for trained negotiators to arrive. In filing the lawsuit, Conlon's parents are speaking publicly about the shooting for the first time. The family of a man fatally shot by Newton police two years ago has filed a civil lawsuit over his death.Īlthough an inquest cleared police officers of criminal responsibility, Michael Conlon's family said they hope the suit will lead to improvements in the way police respond to mental health emergencies. Services are pending at Wallace Family Funeral Home in Newton.Facebook Email Photographs of Michael Conlon hang as a celebration of his life in his parent's dining room.

Richardson is survived by his wife, Kim, and two adult children, one son in high school and grandchildren. He had been with the Department for 23 years. Army before becoming a police officer for the City of Newton. He was highly respected at the Newton Police Department as well as out in the community.' Richardson was an excellent leader and compassionate person. Richardson was not on duty at that time, but as always was keeping himself in top shape so that he could protect the citizens of Newton, Iowa.

Pat Richardson had a massive heart attack while exercising Sunday afternoon, Sept. 'It is with deep sorrow that we have to inform you that the Newton Police Department has lost an outstanding leader and officer,' Chief Hoebelheinrich said in a statement. Pat Richardson died after suffering a heart attack while exercising on Sunday afternoon, Newton Chief of Police Jeff Hoebelheinrich announced this morning. Pat Richardson dies after suffering heart attack Pat Richardson dies after suffering heart attack - Newton Independent

Newton iowa police department