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Man Killed in Officer Involved Shooting, Family says Something Doesn't Add up
Man Killed in Officer Involved Shooting, Family says Something Doesn't Add up 11/1/12
CBS 7 Reporter
smurray@cbs7.com
November 1, 2012
Odessa, TX -We are learning more about the man killed in an officer involved shooting last night.
Law enforcement say he pulled a gun out of his waist band and threatened others.
Those who knew him best claim something doesn't add up.
66-year-old Marvin Donald Wilkerson was shot and killed last night by an Ector County Sheriff's deputy after they were sent to the West Odessa home on a "man with a gun" call. The sheriff's office says Wilkerson was waving the gun and threatening people in the neighborhood. But family members say they don't believe that.
Family members tell us that Wilkerson turned 66 last week. They claim he was a decorated Vietnam War veteran living with Parkinson's disease. they don't believe that he would pull a gun on anyone.
Neighbors share a similar disbelief.
"Wow... it's crazy. I don't know, I don't know what to say," says the man who lives next door.
They claim he kept to himself and seemed like a nice guy.
"He was quiet."
"He was a really good guy,” says the neighbor across the street. “As far as last night I really don't know what could have happened."
"Our brother saves lives and he would never take one," Wilkerson’s sister says.
We asked Sheriff Mark Donaldson for an interview today but he says since he was one of the first to respond to the scene he is now part of the investigation and cannot comment. The Texas Rangers are now investigating the case.
The officer who shot Wilkerson is Deputy Johnny Valderaz. He has been with the Ector County Sheriff's office since October of last year.