A domestic violence call within the rural Farmington, New Mexico area turned tragic after authorities fatally shot Robert Dodson at his doorstep, according to bodycam footage released by the Farmington Police Department on April 15, 2023.The incident happened on April 5 when the police department responded to a wrong address based on a domestic battery call. As authorities approached the home and knocked on the door, a man answered with a loaded firearm. Even as the police requested confirmation of the address before any further action, the homeowner pointed his gun at the officers, leading to a tense standoff which ended with the police forcefully responding and shooting the man multiple times. The wife of Dodson, who rushed to the front door screaming, returned fire, completely unaware that these were the authorities. Following the gunfire, which left the poor man dead, their three children were left in shock.To make matters worse, the police department recklessly overlooked the correct address which was illuminated by an exterior light in plain sight. The three officers who were involved were placed on administrative leave pending an investigation by the State Police Investigations Bureau. The District Attorney will review the findings before any justice can be brought to the culprits. Many questions remain unanswered concerning the police department’s sloppy work. We must continue to raise our voices and advocate for improved discipline in similar incidents to ensure that no family experiences this tragedy again.It is with great sorrow that the family of Robert Dodson revealed the unfathomable outcome of this situation. On a statement shared to the press, the family said, “While the release of the body cam video by the Farmington Police Department partially answers some of the questions surrounding the death of our beloved Robert, our hearts are still broken and we remain paralyzed by grief.” Domestic violence is a serious issue that signals danger within families, a point which authorities need to keep in mind. We need better trained and qualified officers to properly respond to sensitive calls and ultimately protect the ones suffering from such violence. While the family of Robert Dodson is mourning the death of the husband and father, the police department should reflect on the tragedy and learn from their mistakes.###
Family of Robert Dodson Reveals Tragic New Mexico Police Shooting Outcome
