JONESBORO, AR (abc24.com) - The Jonesboro Police Department is releasing key evidence in the investigation into how a handcuffed Southaven man died from a gunshot wound in the back of a police car.
Chavis Cater, 21, died after he was arrested following a traffic stop late last month.
In an email sent late Thursday night, police released video from dash-cameras mounted inside the patrol cars of the two officers who responded that night.
"We are still awaiting the complete autopsy report as well as complete forensics and toxicology results from the State Crime Lab," Sgt. Lyle Waterworth said.
Since Carter's death nearly 3 weeks ago, there has been rising demand for answers regarding how a handcuffed person could retrieve a gun and shoot themselves.
Earlier this week, Jonesboro Police released a 2-minute re-enactment showing it is possible for a handcuffed person to shoot themselves.
Then, just before 8:50 p.m. on Thursday night, police e-mailed the dashcam video, along with recordings of 9-1-1 calls, and recordings of witness statements.
"Given the heightened sensitivity regarding the investigation, we felt it important that these witness accounts be made available," Waterworth said.
"It ought to mean the revelation of the truth, but if it has taken them this long to present the dash-cam, it could mean anything," said Isaac Richmond, Director of the Arkansas Chapter of the Commission on Religion and Racism.
"We will continue to provide information as it can be made available throughout the investigation until its conclusion," Waterworth said.
