In the winter of 2015, on December 21st, the life of 21-year-old Derek S. DeGroat, a White male, came to a tragic end at his home in Canaan Township, Pennsylvania. The events that unfolded that night began with a frantic 911 call from his sister, Breanna DeGroat, who reported that her brother was armed and threatening to harm himself. This call set in motion a response from the Pennsylvania State Police that would have fatal consequences.
When troopers arrived at the residence on Volunteer Way, they found a tense and volatile situation.
According to the Wayne County District Attorney, when state police arrived, they encountered Derek DeGroat armed with multiple firearms. He was reportedly carrying a rifle and had two others slung over his shoulders. Authorities stated that the troopers repeatedly, over ten times, commanded him to drop his weapons and cease moving towards the house, but he did not comply. His girlfriend, Lindsey Erk, had also informed the 911 dispatcher that DeGroat had threatened to shoot if the police were called. As troopers illuminated the area, they saw DeGroat move from a tree toward the house. They shouted for him to stop, and when he turned towards them with the rifle in his hand, three troopers opened fire. DeGroat was struck by 11 of the 39 rounds fired by the officers. An autopsy later revealed his blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit.
The three state troopers involved in the shooting were identified as Corporal Derek Felsmen, Trooper Derek Ast, and Corporal Michael Oakes. Following the incident, they were placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure. The Wayne County District Attorney, Janine Edwards, conducted an investigation into the shooting. In January 2016, she announced her finding that the troopers were justified in their actions, deeming it a case of 'suicide by cop.' Edwards stated that the troopers were in reasonable fear for their lives. The investigation noted that dashboard camera footage captured DeGroat raising his weapon and saying, 'just do it!'. It was also reported that the guns DeGroat was carrying were not loaded.
Derek DeGroat's family disputed the official account and the justification of the shooting. His father, Michael DeGroat, expressed his belief that his son, a National Guardsman, was not a dangerous person and did not deserve to die. He and his family maintained that the number of shots fired was excessive. In response to the district attorney's decision, the DeGroat family pursued a civil lawsuit against the Pennsylvania State Police, alleging the use of excessive force. The case went to a federal jury, and in August 2019, the jury ruled in favor of the state troopers, finding that their actions did not constitute excessive force. The family had sought $18.7 million in their suit. No criminal charges were ever filed against the troopers involved in the death of Derek DeGroat.
