DES MOINES – The Iowa Attorney General’s Office has completed its review of the fatal shooting of Matthew T.J. Davis by two Franklin County Sheriff’s Office deputies that occurred on June 20, 2023. In a report issued this week, the office concluded that the actions of the deputies, who shot Davis after he drunkenly aimed his gun at them, were “legally justified” and that “no criminal charges are warranted.”
NIT reported the incident hours after the scene unfolded. On June 20, 2023 at 9:42 pm, deputies with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office were called to 1124 W. Gilman Street in Sheffield, Iowa (pictured above) on the report of a domestic dispute. Upon arrival, deputies encountered a male, later identified as Matt Davis, age 30, currently of Hampton, Iowa, brandishing a handgun. Davis was arguing with family members who had locked themselves inside the house and called 911. Deputies ordered Davis to drop the gun, he refused, and walked toward the deputies. Davis pointed the gun at a passing vehicle and then deputies. Deputies shot Davis, striking him once. Medical personnel responded to the scene. Davis died at the scene. No officers were injured.
The Attorney General’s conclusion was based on a review and investigation by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. The investigation found that on the evening of June 20, Franklin County dispatch received two 911 calls reporting that Davis, the caller’s former partner, was at her home, intoxicated, suicidal, and armed with a gun. At the time, the caller’s minor son was inside the home and alone. The 911 caller also reported that Davis said he wanted to be shot by police.
Two Franklin County deputies were dispatched to the residence and found Davis in the driveway with a gun. The deputies immediately instructed Davis to drop his weapon and pleaded with him to do so at least 17 times. Bodycam footage showed that Davis then approached the deputies and aimed his gun at them, at which point the deputies opened fire. After securing Davis’s weapon, the deputies rendered medical aid and called for an ambulance. During this time, Davis stated to the deputies, “Thank you for shooting me.” Davis died while enroute to the hospital.
The report is issued under the Attorney General’s independent authority under Iowa Code section 13.12 to investigate or prosecute conduct of law enforcement that results in death.
A copy of the report is available here.
