Deadly confrontations: In Alabama, mental illness is often a factor in police shootings (al.com)

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Last edited Fri Aug 19, 2016, 12:06 AM - Edit history (1)

Editor's note: This is the latest in an ongoing AL.com investigation into the mental health crisis in Alabama.

The day before she was shot by police, Melissa Boarts threw a party.

The 36-year-old nursing assistant had suffered from bipolar disorder for nearly two decades, but seemed happy at the Wetumpka park where family and friends celebrated her little girl's birthday. The April weather was warm enough for short sleeves and sandals, with a slight shivery breeze.

The next day, family members were sorting gifts between the two houses where the 2-year-old lived when Melissa's twin sister Melinda tossed off a comment that landed like a hand grenade.

"There were some toys that we didn't let her play with because we didn't want her to get hurt on them," Melinda said. "So that's what I said, but I think she took it way wrong. I mean, and that's how it started."
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more: http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2016/08/a_deadly_mix_in_police_shootin.html




A longer-than-usual article. Includes description of a case where cops did everything right ... and one where maybe not.