LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan State Police have identified the man fatally shot by law enforcement officers on April 6, 2025, as Joel Cothern, a 27-year-old from Lansing. The incident occurred on US-127 near Barnes Road in Vevay Township, prompting an investigation by the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office.
According to authorities, Cothern was walking in the wrong direction along the highway when officers approached him. The Ingham County Sheriff’s Office reported that Cothern was “non-compliant” with officers’ orders. During the encounter, Cothern reportedly pulled out multiple knives, escalating the situation. Despite efforts by law enforcement to de-escalate the confrontation, the situation took a tragic turn when Cothern was shot by police.
Sheriff Scott Wriggelsworth of Ingham County held a press conference on Monday to address the incident, providing additional details and defending the actions of his deputies. The sheriff clarified that Cothern had not been handcuffed prior to the shooting, stating, “To be clear, the subject was not handcuffed prior to the shooting. As a matter of fact, we never even touched the subject until after force was used.”
Sheriff Wriggelsworth also confirmed that officers deployed a taser in an attempt to subdue Cothern, but it was ineffective. He emphasized that the decisions made by law enforcement were based on the totality of the situation, rather than a brief segment of bodycam footage. “Law enforcement officers made decisions based on the totality of their circumstances, not a two-dimensional video that captures ten seconds of a 13-plus minute encounter,” Wriggelsworth explained.
The sheriff’s office released bodycam footage of the encounter to the public in an effort to provide context and transparency. Wriggelsworth also displayed two still images showing Cothern in close proximity to officers, aiming to clarify the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
As the investigation continues, questions surrounding the use of force and the effectiveness of de-escalation tactics remain at the forefront of public discussion. The release of bodycam footage and statements from law enforcement reflect ongoing efforts to address concerns and offer clarity in the wake of the fatal incident.
The Michigan State Police are continuing to investigate the shooting, and additional details are expected to be released as the investigation unfolds.
