Family of Carl Dorsey demands federal investigation into his death

A grand jury declined to file criminal charges in shooting by Newark detective

Melissa Rose Cooper, Correspondent | January 30, 2023 | Law & Public Safety, More Issues

The family of Carl Dorsey is expressing disappointment over a grand jury’s decision to not file criminal charges in his killing. Two years ago, Dorsey died after being shot at Woodland Avenue and South 11th Street in Newark by Detective Rod Simpkins. Now, the family is calling on the U.S. attorney to launch a civil rights investigation.

“Carl Dorsey was unarmed. Carl Dorsey presented no threat whatsoever to this officer. And Carl Dorsey, for being unarmed and being nonthreatening, is dead. And someone has to be responsible,” said attorney Robert Tarver.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka released a statement last week confirming Detective Simpkins is no longer on active duty and that the city will be conducting its own investigation to make sure police did not violate any regulations.