INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) –The family of a 21-year-old man who died after a confrontation with police last month is demanding transparency from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department so they can understand the facts surrounding his death.

Dalys Jett died after an exchange of gunfire with police the night of July 22. According to IMPD, officers were called to the 8000 block of 37^th Street for a disturbance, when they encountered Jett on the street outside a home. Police say Jett shot at officers, who then returned fire, striking him. Jett was later pronounced dead at Methodist Hospital. Two IMPD officers were injured in the exchange.

Friday evening at Hovey Street Church in Indianapolis, Jett’s parents said they want the entire bodycam footage from all involved officers to be released, as well as any police dispatch audio, in-car video and radio traffic. 

“We just want to see what happened to our son,” said Derrick Jett, father of Dalys Jett.

“Our family is asking for justice, the full truth, arrived through the proper process, without speculation or alternative narratives,” said Michelle Walker, Dalys Jett’s Mother. “The past few days have been very painful for us. Along with grieving for our son, we have watched opinions spread faster than facts… Our focus is not on answering every rumor, it is in honoring Dalys, his life, and allowing the truth to become known.”

In a written statement, IMPD said that it “intends to respond to the family’s request and share the footage with Mr. Jett’s family as required under state law. IMPD is coordinating with Mr. Jett’s family to provide them the opportunity to review the body-worn camera footage from all involved officers. As the investigation moves forward, this viewing of the video has been temporarily postponed to protect the integrity of the investigative process and out of respect for everyone involved, including the officer who was recently released from the hospital and Mr. Jett’s family, who are seeking answers. “

A celebration of life is planned for Dalys Jett at New Direction Church on Saturday, beginning at noon. It is open to the public.

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