Mother of Brandon Coleman says prosecutor’s decision is unfair

Winona Coleman-Broadus said she feels Boone County Prosecutor Dan Knight’s decision not to file charges against the man who shot and killed her son in May is unfair.

Brandon Coleman died May 19 on N. Ann Street after he was shot by Dustin Deacon during an argument.

On Wednesday, Knight determined the shooter fired in defense. He said Coleman threatened Deacon’s dad with a loaded gun and Deacon shot to protect his father.

But Coleman’s mother and protesters Wednesday said they think the decision came down to race.

Investigations by law enforcement and Knight himself concluded Deacon acted in self-defense, only shooting to scare Coleman away.

“I feel like they’re leaning more toward saving the shooter than they are trying to really be fair in the killing of my son,” said Coleman-Broadus.

Police never made an arrest and Knight said he believes based on evidence, Deacon had every right to do what he did to protect himself and his father.

On Wednesday, protesters gathered downtown to rally for Brandon Coleman.

“We intend to take it to the highest level possible to get this case reviewed until we have exhausted all avenues,” said Coleman-Broadus. “We’ll continue to pursue the highest levels of law enforcement and officials to see that that’s done.”

She told ABC 17 News she doesn’t want this case to stay local. She said she wants to make sure it gains the attention of others outside mid-Missouri to keep her son’s story alive.

“I just wish Mr. Knight and law enforcement agencies and department officials would have done a more fair and just job in doing this and handling this case,” Coleman-Broadus said.

She also said she has contacted the Department of Justice to ask people at the highest levels to review the case and how it was handled.