In a tragic turn of events, the family of Desire Pool, a 41-year-old mother of four, is expressing outrage after learning that Officer Shelby Kennedy of the Houston Police Department has returned to active duty. This follows the fatal incident where Officer Kennedy struck Pool with her patrol vehicle while she was crossing the street with her children and a friend on Sept. 19.
The incident
The incident occurred late at night when Kennedy was reportedly speeding down a dark road. Dashcam footage released by the Houston Police Department on Nov. 27 shows the moment Kennedy’s vehicle plowed into Pool, who was crossing the street. Witnesses reported that Pool’s children and a friend narrowly escaped being hit, while another individual witnessed the horrifying scene from an island in the road.
Investigation underway
Following the incident, two investigations were initiated: one by the internal affairs department of the Houston Police and another by the vehicular crimes division. The findings from these investigations are expected to be submitted to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, which is conducting its own independent inquiry into the crash.
At the time of the collision, a suspect in the backseat of Kennedy’s vehicle was heard expressing shock, questioning the officer’s awareness of the pedestrians. The emotional toll of the incident was evident as one of Pool’s children cried out, “My mom! Y’all killed my mom!” as the tragedy unfolded.
Family’s grief and anger
Desire Pool was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Her family, who traveled from Illinois to support one another during this difficult time, expressed their anger and frustration at the police department’s handling of the situation. They were not shown the dashcam footage prior to its public release, which added to their distress.
Despite the ongoing investigations, Kennedy has been reinstated after being placed on administrative leave. Police officials stated that this is standard procedure and does not imply that the officer has been cleared of any wrongdoing. However, Pool’s mother, Patricia Barnes, is adamant that Kennedy should not be back on the streets so soon after the incident.
Calls for accountability
“What was she doing that she didn’t see these people in the street?” Barnes questioned, per ABC 13 Houston. She insists that Kennedy should be held accountable for her actions, stating, “I feel horrified that she’s back on the street. How could you hit and kill a mother in front of her children and be back on the streets within two months?” Barnes is considering legal action against the police department.
Lee Gordon, Pool’s uncle, shared the family’s struggle to cope with the aftermath of the tragedy. He revealed that Pool’s children are experiencing nightmares and are in need of mental health care to help them process the traumatic event. Gordon expressed the family’s desire for justice and their demand to see the officer held accountable.
Community response
The community’s response to the incident has been one of shock and anger, with many calling for greater accountability for law enforcement officers involved in fatal incidents. The case has sparked discussions about police conduct, the treatment of victims’ families, and the need for systemic changes within law enforcement agencies.
As the investigations continue, Pool’s family is left grappling with their loss and seeking justice for a beloved mother, sister and friend. The emotional scars left on her children and family members serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of such tragedies.
Kennedy’s return to active duty after the fatal incident has reignited discussions about police accountability and the treatment of victims’ families. As investigations proceed, the Pool family remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice, hoping to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again.
