OXFORD, Miss. (localmemphis.com) – Relatives want justice for the murder of 32-year-old Dominique Clayton, who died in her home after being reportedly shot by an on-duty police officer.
The family plans to sue the city of Oxford and former officer Matthew Kinne for over $5 million, citing wrongful death and negligence.
“The law requires us to give the city of Oxford 90-day notice prior to filing a lawsuit, and that is simply to allow the city of Oxford to do the right thing and settle the case with the family,“ said the family’s attorney, Carlos Moore.
Moore tells Local 24 News he hired a retired law enforcement officer to independently investigate her death and the charged suspect, former Oxford police officer Matthew Kinne. Kinne was immediately fired following his charges in the death of Clayton. Two officers, Ryan Winters and Collins Bryant, resigned days later.
According to Moore’s investigation, Kinne came to Clayton’s home on May 19th while he was on duty and in uniform and shot Clayton in the head as she slept. The investigation also found Kinne had Clayton get rid of her dogs.
“We believe that the fact that he had her get rid of her dogs two days before he killed her shows that this is a premeditated attack,“ said Moore.
Relatives say Clayton told them and Kinne she might be pregnant and expressed concern Kinne might harm her.
“We know that Ms. Clayton had told her sister that she thought she thought she may be pregnant,“ said Moore. “We also know she had told Matthew Kinne that she thought she may be pregnant.“
Relatives were initially told by police that Clayton committed suicide. The Oxford mayor’s office confirmed receiving notice the family intends to sue but had no comment.
“If you kill somebody you deserve the death penalty because you took somebody’s life,“ said Clayton’s cousin.
Moore says it could take months until the complete autopsy is available. Interim Police Chief Jeff McCutchen did not immediately return a request for comment.