News Summary
A medical examiner has ruled the death of 33-year-old Terrell Clay a homicide after an encounter with Phoenix police. Clay was being pursued for a felony parole violation and was hospitalized after being struck by less-lethal rounds. Despite attempts to subdue him, he died hours later due to blunt force trauma, with drugs in his system. The Gila County Attorney’s Office found no criminal charges warranted for the officers involved, igniting discussions on police accountability and the risks of less-lethal force.
Phoenix – A recent medical examiner’s report has classified the death of 33-year-old Terrell Clay as a homicide following an encounter with Phoenix police on January 10, during which officers utilized less-lethal rounds. Clay, who was wanted on a felony parole violation warrant and was being questioned in connection with an armed robbery, suffered fatal injuries after being struck by projectiles designed to cause pain compliance.
The incident occurred near the intersection of 43rd Avenue and Thomas Road when law enforcement attempted to arrest Clay. Reports indicate that he was armed and fled from police, climbing onto the roof of a residential property. While on the roof, officers employed a 37-millimeter launcher, a device categorized as a less-lethal tool, to subdue Clay. Body camera footage reveals that officers fired the launcher at least seven times; however, it remains unclear how many times Clay was directly hit by the projectiles.
Following the use of the less-lethal force, Clay communicated to first responders about experiencing severe chest pain. He was subsequently transported to a local hospital for advanced medical care. Tragically, he died approximately four and a half hours after his arrest during a surgical procedure aimed at addressing his injuries.
The medical examiner’s findings indicated that Clay’s death was primarily due to blunt force trauma to the chest. Furthermore, the report noted the presence of drugs in Clay’s system at the time of his death, which may have contributed to his condition during and after the incident.
In the wake of the incident, the Gila County Attorney’s Office reviewed the circumstances and determined that no criminal charges would be filed against the officers involved. They concluded that the actions taken by law enforcement were justified in that context. However, concerns have been raised by civil rights advocates regarding the inherent risks associated with the use of less-lethal force, emphasizing that such methods can still lead to serious injury or death.
While the decision not to pursue charges may limit prospects for accountability within the criminal justice system, it does not preclude the possibility of pursuing civil action. This may be especially relevant as discussions arise about the potential consequences of the officers’ decisions during the incident.
Body camera footage analyzed after the fact depicted Clay with his hands visible while on the roof. The footage captured the moments leading up to his injury, as he demonstrated apparent distress, expressing concerns about his physical state and stating, “I’m hurt bad” and “I’m going to die.” These statements underline the seriousness of the situation and the challenges faced by both the officers and the individual involved.
As investigations progress, the Gila County Attorney’s Office has not provided further details regarding potential disciplinary actions for the officers involved or the procedural guidelines surrounding the deployment of less-lethal projectiles. The lack of communication from both the local police department and Clay’s family regarding the incident and its aftermath has left many questions unanswered.
As this case continues to be a focal point of community discussion, it remains critical to evaluate the policies and practices surrounding the use of force by law enforcement, especially methods classified as less-lethal. The implications of this incident may resonate throughout discussions of police conduct, accountability, and the broader context of public safety.
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Additional Resources
- Phoenix New Times: Phoenix Cops Killed Man with Less-Lethal Weapons
- Wikipedia: Police Use of Force
- AZ Central: Homicide Ruling on Man Shot with Less-Lethal Ammo
- Google Search: Less-Lethal Weapons in Policing
- KTAR: Killed by Police in South Phoenix
- Google Scholar: Less-Lethal Force in Policing
- ABC15: Phoenix Police Involved in Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Less-Lethal Weapons
- Phoenix New Times: Ex-Phoenix Cop Sues City
- Google News: Police Accountability in Phoenix
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
