Autistic man was suicidal and called for help, ‘trained’ police shot him instead

Alex LaMorie, a 25-year-old autistic man from Maryland, was tragically shot and killed by police officers on March 1 after he called 911 for help during a suicidal crisis. Howard County police responded to LaMorie’s call just after midnight. Officers initially couldn’t find LaMorie inside the building. However, upon leaving, they saw him walking toward them from the parking lot holding a knife. 

Officials said three officers fired their weapons, fatally striking LaMorie, after he reportedly didn’t drop the knife despite repeated commands. The officers involved, Joel Rodriguez, Cody Bostic, and Joseph Riebau, are now on administrative leave.

Per the Washington Post, LaMorie had just moved into his new apartment in late February, excited to join Patuxent Commons, a community designed for residents with autism or other disabilities. This move also brought him closer to his mother and stepdad. On the morning of February 28, LaMorie texted his mom an inspirational quote, as he always did, saying, “Life is too short to be mad at everyone, so I’m nice to almost everyone instead.” 

This is heartbreaking

Hours later, his mother, Jill Harrington, received a frightening call from her son. He told her he was in a suicidal crisis and had called the police for a wellness check. His mother then called a suicide hotline and was patched through to Howard County police, informing them that her son was autistic and at risk of harming himself.

Harrington shared a statement saying, “Every parent of a child with autism knows this is their worst nightmare.”  While officers reportedly told her son to drop the knife, Harrington questioned whether he even heard them, reiterating that he was “in suicidal crisis and stated so.” She argues that first responders need better training to prevent such tragic outcomes.

LaMorie is described as a kind, loving, and enthusiastic person who often used his voice to advocate for other autistic people. He served on the advisory board for the Autism & Grief Project, noting that techniques effective for “regular people” don’t “always work with autistic people who are grieving.” Amy Tucci, the foundation’s president, said they “loved working with Alex” and that his “intelligence and kind manner left a lasting impression.” 

He was also a passionate action and horror author, which earned him an associate’s degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus. His family emphasized his dedication to “keeping himself healthy and stable,” noting he had a safety plan and knew to call for help when needed.

The incident has raised questions about police training and responses to mental health crises involving individuals with disabilities. Howard County police stated that the officers involved were trained in crisis intervention training and negotiation. However, the tragedy still happened. Local leaders are rightfully concerned that LaMorie’s death could affect residents’ willingness to call 911 for help, since he was killed by those who were meant to protect him.

Recently, there have been many heartbreaking stories of cruelty and death at the hands at ICE agents. However, this story, and the tasing of another autistic boy, show that even local law enforcement has a long way to go.