My Video Made the TV News in NC – County Responds, Officer Disappears?

On April 8, 2023, the Briggs family was enjoying a typical day at home in Wake County, North Carolina. With their four children at school and the family dog, Zelda, lounging peacefully, everything seemed normal. However, that tranquility was shattered when Deputy Andrew Daryus arrived at their home to serve a civil summons.

According to Daryus, he knocked on the door and called out, but received no response. He claimed the door was slightly ajar, and without further hesitation, he entered the home. What happened next would haunt the family forever: in an alarming act of aggression, the deputy shot Zelda dead.

Witness Accounts and Initial Reactions

The incident was captured on body cameras and surveillance footage, which later became crucial evidence in the unfolding narrative. As the deputy entered the home, he reported that he did not hear any barking and was surprised when the dog approached him. Witnesses outside the home, including neighbors and patrons at a nearby coffee shop, began recording the encounter, capturing both the chaos and the confusion that ensued.

In the aftermath of the shooting, the Briggs family was left devastated. They had lost their beloved pet, and the trauma of the incident weighed heavily on them. “Some days are better than others,” said Paige Briggs, Zelda’s owner. “We’re still heartbroken over the loss.”

The Viral Video

The story gained traction when West Virginia civil rights lawyer John Bryan posted a YouTube video detailing the incident. His video showcased the body camera footage and surveillance recordings, providing a stark look at the events that transpired that day. Within days, the video went viral, accumulating over 1.5 million views and sparking outrage across the country.

Bryan’s video highlighted not only the tragic death of Zelda but also the systemic issues within law enforcement that allowed such incidents to occur. He pointed out that Daryus had a history of complaints against him, having been involved in previous incidents of excessive force and racial profiling.

Community Outrage and Official Response

As the video spread, public outrage grew. The Wake County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement acknowledging the incident and expressing condolences to the Briggs family. However, the statement did little to quell the anger of the community, especially as details emerged about Daryus’s previous conduct.

Many residents questioned how a deputy with a history of complaints could still be on the force. The community was demanding accountability, and the pressure mounted on the sheriff’s office to take action against Daryus.

In response to the growing backlash, the sheriff’s office announced that Daryus had been separated from the department. However, critics were quick to point out that this was a convenient way to distance the department from the incident without addressing the underlying issues that had allowed Daryus to remain employed despite his record.

The Investigation

Following the public outcry, an internal investigation was launched. The investigation revealed a troubling pattern of behavior by Daryus, who had faced multiple complaints for racial profiling and excessive force during his 13 years on the force. Despite these complaints, the department had repeatedly failed to take appropriate action, allowing him to continue patrolling the streets.

The investigation also uncovered discrepancies in Daryus’s account of the incident. In the body camera footage, he claimed he was surprised by the dog and that he did not hear any barking when he entered the home. However, the surveillance footage contradicted his statement, showing that Zelda had been barking before the deputy entered.

The Aftermath and Legal Action

As the investigation progressed, the Briggs family decided to take legal action against the Wake County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Daryus. They filed a lawsuit seeking damages for the wrongful death of their dog and the emotional distress caused by the incident. Their legal team, led by John Bryan, aimed to hold the deputy accountable for his actions and push for systemic changes within the department.

The lawsuit garnered significant media attention, and the Briggs family became symbols of the fight against police misconduct. They received messages of support from around the world, with many sharing their own stories of similar encounters with law enforcement.

A Community Mobilizes

The community rallied around the Briggs family, organizing protests and advocating for justice. Activists called for greater oversight of the police department and demanded that officers with a history of misconduct be held accountable. The incident sparked conversations about racial bias in policing and the need for reform.

As the legal proceedings unfolded, the Wake County Sheriff’s Office faced increasing scrutiny. Many community members questioned the department’s commitment to transparency and accountability, especially in light of Daryus’s history of complaints.

The Turning Point

The turning point in the case came when the body camera footage was made public. The video captured the moments leading up to the shooting, showing Daryus entering the home without a warrant and failing to properly assess the situation before resorting to lethal force. The footage fueled public outrage and intensified calls for justice.

In a press conference, Paige Briggs expressed her heartbreak over the loss of Zelda and her determination to seek justice. “We just want accountability,” she said. “This shouldn’t happen to anyone else.”

The Verdict

As the case progressed to trial, the evidence against Daryus was overwhelming. The jury found him liable for the wrongful death of Zelda and awarded the Briggs family $2.3 million in damages. The verdict sent shockwaves through the community and served as a powerful reminder of the need for accountability in law enforcement.

The jury’s decision was not just about the financial compensation; it was a statement against the systemic issues that had allowed Daryus to act with impunity. The verdict underscored the importance of holding officers accountable for their actions and ensuring that victims of police misconduct receive justice.

Conclusion

The tragic story of the Briggs family and their dog, Zelda, serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice in the face of systemic racism and police misconduct. The incident highlights the need for accountability within law enforcement and the importance of community advocacy in effecting change.

As the Briggs family continues to heal from their loss, they remain committed to fighting for justice and advocating for reforms that will prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Their story is one of resilience, courage, and the enduring hope for a better, more just society.

In the end, the battle for justice is not just about one family’s loss; it is about creating a future where all individuals, regardless of their race, can feel safe and protected by those sworn to serve and protect them.