In a tense and ultimately fatal encounter on February 3, 2014, a 25-year-old Black/African American male named James L. Norris of Wilmington, Delaware, was shot and killed in Salisbury, Maryland. The events leading to his death began to unfold when law enforcement, who had been searching for Norris on outstanding handgun charges from Delaware, located him as a passenger in a vehicle.
Members of the Maryland State Police and the Salisbury Police Department conducted a traffic stop on the car on U.S. Route 13 near Philadelphia Avenue.
As a Salisbury Police Officer, Milton Rodriguez, approached the vehicle and asked Norris for his name, Norris placed both of his hands into his jacket pockets. The officer instructed him not to put his hands in his pockets, a command which Norris reportedly refused. According to police reports, Norris then told the officer that one of them was going to die. In response to this perceived threat, Officer Rodriguez drew his weapon.
The situation escalated rapidly, resulting in both Norris and Officer Rodriguez discharging their firearms. Norris was struck by a bullet to the head and was later found with his hands clenched around two revolvers that were in his pockets. He was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities also reported finding suspected cocaine in his possession.
Following the shooting, the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit was requested to conduct an investigation. The Wicomico County State's Attorney's Office reviewed the case, which included an examination of dashboard video footage, police radio transmissions, and witness statements. The investigation concluded that Officer Rodriguez's use of deadly force was justified under the circumstances. The State's Attorney, Matt Maciarello, stated that the officer's actions were a tragic but necessary act of self-defense given the threat posed by Norris. Consequently, no criminal charges were filed against Officer Rodriguez in connection with the death of James Norris.
