MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Memphis Police Officer’s wife is spreading holiday cheer and signs of support for another officer who’s been in the spotlight alot recently.
Heather Pfeil is gathering cards and letters of support for Officer Connor Schilling, the cop who a Grand Jury decided not to indict for the death of Darrius Stewart in July.
“We want to show him that there are people standing behind him as well,” Pfeil told WREG.
Her husband is a police officer in Memphis and both are friends of Officer Schilling.
“It’s very easy for everybody to sit behind a computer and be vocal about what they would do, because in reality, you don’t know what you would do,” she said.
She said overall, the effort is not meant to be hurtful.
Stewart’s family is taking the comments in stride.
“The family’s heard of it. We believe in free speech and that everyone’s entitled to their opinion,” said Attorney Murray Wells.
No charges were ever filed, but the Department of Justice said they were monitoring the situation.
“Everyone else has been calling for a federal investigation into our case. Something happens a week ago where someone suffers relatively minor injuries compared to the death of our client, and immediately the feds are looking at it,” Wells added.
That something was caught on camera at last weekend’s Ole Miss football game.
A New Albany Police Officer hired as extra security hit a man in the head.
The FBI started investigating at the school’s request.
It was just another reason Stewart’s family wanted to know why there’s no federal investigation into Darrius’ death.
But Pfeil said the investigation has been thorough and now Schilling just deserves support.
“They’re trying to prove a point, and I don’t think this is the case to prove,” she said.
If you would like to send a letter of support to Officer Schilling, send them to the 19 Strong Show at the following address:
5495 Murray Road, Memphis, Tn. 38119