Orlando police release bodycam footage showing officers shoot, kill woman armed with knives
By: On Wednesday, Orlando police released body camera footage of the moments before a knife-wielding woman was shot and killed by officers.
On July 14, officers were called to the 12000 block of Pioneers Way after the 32-year-old Rachael Ellis' boyfriend called 911. Her boyfriend told police Ellis was suicidal and had a knife.
In the parking lot, one of the officers tries to keep Ellis calm on the phone as she talks about harming herself and others.
Officer: "Ma'am, what can I do to help you? Talk to me."
Police go up to the apartment where Ellis is inside. Standing back near the door, a crisis negotiator tries to get Ellis to come out.
Officer: "I know you're hurting, but I just want to talk to you out here."
"We just want to help you, Rachael."
After a brief talk with her on the phone, Ellis hangs up. Two minutes later, she opens the door and walks out with a knife in her hand.
Officer: "Hey, Rachael. Drop the knife, please.”
She refuses, walks back inside, and shuts the door. Seconds go by, then she comes back out, holding two knives.
Officer: "No, stop, Rachael! Stop!"
Two officers fired their guns, killing Ellis after she charges at them.
Orlando police is doing its own internal investigation. FDLE is looking into what happened. The findings will go to State Attorney's Office for review.
Police said that the situation occurred in a way where Tasers weren't an option.