The Carmel Police Dept. has released a video releasing more details about the July 27 incident in the Spring Creek neighborhood that led to a police officer shooting and killing a suspect.
The 11-minute video contains 911 calls, communication with dispatchers and footage from the body camera worn by the officer who shot the suspect. CPD identified the officer as Shane VanNatter, a 13-year veteran of the department and school resource officer at Carmel High School.
The video walks through the timeline of events the morning of July 27, which includes the suspect, Julio Cesar Virula, 26, fatally shooting his girlfriend, Taylor Cox, 28, and shooting and injuring her mother.
As Virula fled the scene, nearby residents called 911 to report his whereabouts. The video tracks VanNatter chasing Virula and ordering him to drop his weapon before more than a dozen shots are heard. VanNatter’s body camera was knocked to the ground during the chase, but it captured audio of the event.
Police said their investigation showed that VanNatter and Virula were both moving during the shooting. A handgun, which police say Virula reloaded after shooting Cox and her mother, was found near his body.
“This is a clear indication that Mr. Virula intended to inflict more harm on others, the extent of which we’ll never know,” CPD Lt. James Semester said in the video.
CPD Chief Jim Barlow said the department’s internal investigation shows that VanNatter’s use of force was within CPD policy. CPD turned over its investigation to the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, which Current has contacted for comment.
The video contains graphic images and language, and viewer discretion is advised. It may be viewed here: youtu.be/NFVkb27wC8Q.
