(Oct. 10, 2023) – The Aurora Police Department Internal Investigations Bureau has completed its review of the June 1, 2023, fatal officer-involved shooting stemming from a convenience store robbery that occurred in the 800 block of N. Dayton Street.
As a result of a policy change made under the direction of Aurora Police Chief Art Acevedo, administrative investigations are now conducted concurrently with the external critical incident response team investigation of any officer-involved shooting. The administrative investigation is conducted by the Aurora Police Department's Internal Investigations Bureau to assess policy violations and performance-related issues.
The administrative internal investigation included a thorough review of the independent criminal investigation conducted by the 18th Judicial District Critical Incident Response Team, and the Aurora Police Department’s criminal investigation of the armed robbery that led to this officer-involved shooting.
Consistent with our commitment to transparency, we are releasing the following findings of our administrative investigation and corrective action:
Sergeant Stephenson Cary
➢ Policy 4.1: Routine Police Vehicle Operations – Exonerated
➢ Policy 4.2: Emergency Response and Police Vehicle Pursuits – Exonerated
➢ Policy 16.4.09: Body-Worn Camera Activation – Sustained
Pursuant to the APD disciplinary matrix related to body worn camera use policy, Sergeant Cary received a Performance Appraisal Entry, or verbal counseling from his commanding officer for not activating his body worn camera sooner. The verbal counseling was documented in writing by the department.
Officer Roch Gruszeczka
➢ Policy 5.3.3: Use of Deadly Force – Exonerated
➢ Policy 5.3.4: Required Identification and Warning Prior to Using Deadly Force – Exonerated
➢ Policy 14.15: Conformance to Law – Exonerated
Officer James Snapp
➢ Policy 5.3: Use of Physical Force – Exonerated
➢ Policy 14.1.5: Conformance to Law – Exonerate
➢ Policy 14.2.1: Conduct Unbecoming – Sustained
Officer Snapp received a written reprimand for inappropriate use of profane language during the incident.
All three officers have been released to full duty.
“The tragic death of Jor’Dell Richardson has understandably evoked strong emotions from his family and community members. While some will vehemently disagree with our findings, it is important for the community to know that the department left no stone unturned to establish the facts in this case,” said Aurora Police Chief Art Acevedo. “The department has a legal and moral obligation to base our findings on the evidence, the facts, and the law, and that is what we did in this matter.
“While we cannot change what has occurred, we will continue to work and expand our efforts in the upcoming weeks and months with a myriad of community and government stakeholders to do all that is humanly possible to create an environment that will enhance the safety and opportunities for youth throughout Aurora and our region. We will also continue our efforts to identify all the individuals involved in the robbery leading up to this incident.”
The summary reports can be viewed by clicking the links below.
Section 6_Summary of Findings - Cary.pdf
Section 6_Summary of Findings - Gruszeczka.pdf
Section 6_Summary of Findings - Snapp.pdf
Joe Moylan
Public Information Officer
720.432.5095
AP23-105984