Paul Castaway, a 35-year-old Native American man, died on July 12, 2015, in Denver, Colorado, after being shot by a police officer. His mother, Lynn Eagle Feather, had called 911 for assistance because her son, who suffered from schizophrenia, was experiencing a mental health crisis. She informed the dispatcher of his mental illness.
When Denver police officers arrived at the mobile home park on Morrison Road, they encountered Paul Castaway holding a knife.
According to police, Castaway confronted them and got 'dangerously close' with the weapon. However, this account was contradicted by his mother and a security video from a nearby mobile home park. The video reportedly showed Castaway holding the knife to his own neck, not advancing on the officers, when he was shot. His mother, who was across the street, stated that she heard four gunshots in rapid succession without any warning.
The officer who fired the fatal shots was identified as Michael Traudt. Another officer, Jerry Lara, was also present at the scene. An attorney for Castaway's family stated that one officer was preparing to use a Taser when Officer Traudt chose to fire his gun, striking Castaway in the torso. Witnesses reported that Castaway's last words were, 'What's wrong with you guys?'. He left behind a young son.
Following the shooting, Officer Traudt was placed on administrative leave, a standard procedure. The Denver District Attorney's office investigated the incident and ultimately cleared the officer of any criminal wrongdoing, deeming the shooting justified. This decision was met with protest from Castaway's family and community members, who argued that the use of lethal force was unnecessary.
In response to the lack of criminal charges, Paul Castaway's mother filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Officer Michael Traudt, Officer Jerry Lara, the Denver Police Chief, and the City and County of Denver. While some claims in the lawsuit were dismissed, a judge allowed the excessive force claim against Officer Traudt to proceed, keeping the possibility of a trial alive. No arrests were made in connection with Paul Castaway's death.
