The family of 34-year-old Shawn Boyett said they’re heartbroken after the incident Monday. Boyett was shot by Lubbock Police after they said he pulled a knife on them.
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“I was just panicking at first. I was trying to get a ride over there,” said Boyett’s sister, Ruth Cassity.
Police said his mom called police wanting their help to remove him from the house. When officers tried to get him out of the house, Boyett pulled out a knife and that’s when officers shot him twice.
“It’s just they don’t know him. I don’t think he’s any harm to anybody,” said Cassity.
She said he’s always been a funny and easy-going brother, but he’s been fighting a mental illness for several years.
“You can ask anybody. He’s always kept to himself. He’s not any harm. He just has that mental illness. He’s not in reality, you know what I mean, I don’t think he’s going to come stab me,” Cassity said.
She told me he lived with their mom and always tried to take care of their family, but she said his severe schizophrenia limits him from doing everyday things.
“I know he’s not that big of a threat. He might look scary, but I know he’s not that big of a threat. I just don’t know why they had to shoot him,” said Cassity.
Boyett remains in the hospital tonight and he’s expected to make a full recovery. He will be charged with aggravated assault on a police officer and could even face other charges. The officers involved weren’t hurt and they remain on paid administrative leave.
