New Jersey Woman Fatally Shot by Police: Family Reviews Body Cam Video, Seeks Justice

The family of a 25-year-old New Jersey woman, Victoria Lee, who was fatally shot by a police officer in her apartment last month during a mental health crisis, is set to review body camera video on Friday. Her family reported that Victoria was unarmed, holding only a plastic water jug when the incident happened 

Mental health crisis and police response

Victoria Lee was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2017. Although she had to withdraw early from college, her family stated that she had been managing her condition through various activities such as work, travel, and music. On the day of the incident, Lee had become distressed after her brother informed her that a 911 dispatcher said police were required to accompany the ambulance to their home. In response, she picked up a small folding pocketknife that she typically used to open packages.

Amid concerns about police response to mental health calls and potential escalation, her brother called 911 again to request that police not enter the apartment. He emphasized that the knife was small and urged caution. However, police were required to respond to mental health calls.

Police response and fatal shooting

New Jersey Attorney General's office reported that the Fort Lee police officers responded to the apartment complex around 1:25 a.m. after a call was made regarding Lee's mental health crisis. When the officer arrived, he spoke to Lee's brother outside the apartment and then opened the door. Despite the family's request for the officer not to enter and the dogs' aggressive barking, the officers breached the door. As Victoria Lee approached the officers, one officer fired a single shot, striking her in the chest. Medical aid was provided, and she was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 1:58 a.m.

Family's perspective and seeking justice

Victoria Lee's family expressed their distress over the heroic actions of police officers, emphasizing that Lee had dropped the knife before their entry. They also highlighted that she was not violent during previous mental health episodes. The family is now seeking justice  and is committed to revealing the full truth of this tragic event, according to their attorney, Henry Sukjin Cho, who emphasized that Victoria was harmless.