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Cop Charged In Fellow Officer's Russian Roulette Death Reportedly Bashed His Face Against Police SUV Window
Nathaniel Hendren faces involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of Katlyn Alix, which his lawyer described as "a tragic accident."
The mugshot of a police offier who was allegedly involved in a deadly game of Russian roulette shows several injuries he reportedly inflicted on himself after the fatal incident.
Nathaniel Hendren, 29, of St. Louis, Missouri was arrested Monday after the death last week of fellow officer Katlyn Alix, 24. The two had allegedly passed a gun loaded with a single bullet back and forth, firing it at one another until a fatal shot was discharged, killing Alix. Now, a newly released arrest photo of Hendren shows him with lacerations on his face and a visible black eye. Sources told The St. Louis Post Dispatch that Hendren had self-harmed by slamming his head into the back of a window of a police SUV after being taken to the hospital following the shooting. The same sources say he broke the window.
Hendren has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action. He wasn't present in court Monday when his attorney sought a reduction of his bail, which had been set at $50,000 cash.
Hendren had been on duty on with an unnamed partner on Thursday when he and Alix began playing a dangerous game with a revolver, resulting in a fatal shot to Alix's chest. She was pronounced dead at SSM Health St. Louis University Hospital shortly thereafter.
The incident occurred outside of Hendren's patrol area, according to USA Today. It is unclear if the firearm used was a service weapon and what repercussions Hendren may face for being miles away from the area he was assigned to patrol.
Attorney Talmage Newton IV, who is representing Hendren in the criminal case, offered condolences to the Alix family.
“The death of Officer Katlyn Alix was a tragic accident that has unalterably impacted the lives of everyone involved,” Newton said in a statement. “I urge the public, as well as members of the police department, to wait until the investigation is complete, and all of the facts have been presented, before coming to any conclusions about what they believe happened that unfortunate morning.”
Scott Rosenblum, a member of the Alix family's legal team, is promising a thorough investigation into the altercation.
“Certainly, we’re looking into all avenues ... including, potentially, civil litigation,” said Rosenblum. “The family is convinced that with Katlyn’s training, both police and military, there remains a substantial amount of unanswered questions ... questions about the circumstances of the event.”
Hendren has been suspended without pay following the shooting. He potentially faces 10 years in prison if found guilty of the charges he now faces.
His partner has been placed on administrative leave.
A GoFundMe page was established by Alix’s former partners to help pay for funeral expenses.
[Photos: AP]
