May 19: Milisha Thompson, a 35-year-old homeless woman, died after being shocked with a Taser gun by local police. A Taser gun is an electric stun gun often used to subdue people who are difficult to contain, without using a more violent force. Many are speculating that the use of a Taser was unnecessary in Thompson’s case, as she was already handcuffed and on the ground.

Officers were in the area investigating a report of drug activity near a homeless shelter. According to Police Chief Bill Citty, Thompson was being disruptive, so the officers handcuffed her. Citty says Thompson would not calm down, so the officers stunned her twice in the neck with the Taser. Thompson’s husband, Marvell Thompson reports they shocked his wife 20 times and told the Oklahoma Tribune, “They did use excessive force on my wife.” Mr. Thompson said his wife suffered from schizophrenia and might have had an episode causing her to feel threatened at the time of the interaction. Mr. Thompson said they were living and working at the City Rescue Mission while recovering from drug addictions. After Milisha Thompson appeared to be unconscious, the officers started CPR, and she was taken to the hospital and said to be dead upon arrival.

The two officers have been placed on paid administrative leave and an investigation is planned. A church surveillance camera caught the incident on tape, but the police are holding it for the investigation. Thompson’s family has filed a $1.5 million dollar lawsuit against Oklahoma City claiming the police used excessive force and have failed to properly train officers in Taser gun protocol.