Flossmoor police released a one-minute, 14-second video Thursday morning showing the moments leading up to the fatal shooting of Madeline Miller on Sunday, July 10. Police advised the video shows graphic images that some viewers might find difficult to watch.
Miller was killed by police who were responding to a report of a domestic disturbance shortly after noon.
In a news release accompanying the video link, police said officers responded to a call at the home, 1437 Joyce Drive, as a result of a third-party report of a domestic disturbance.
“The report alleged Miller was threatening and attacking a female family member with a knife,” police said.
In the video, indistinct shouting can be heard coming from within the home as officers knock on the door and announce their presence. An elderly woman using a walker answers the door but immediately moves into an adjacent room.
Another woman runs toward officers, yelling “she’s trying to kill me” then moves into the adjacent room.
At that point, Miller runs toward officers.
According to police: “Miller emerged from around a corner – armed with a large kitchen knife – and quickly ran at the officers with the knife pointed in their direction. The officers retreated back into the driveway, commanding Miller to drop the knife, but she ignored the directions and continued to advance toward the officers at a quick pace.”
After Miller emerged from the front door, an officer fired one shot and continued to order her to drop the knife. When she continued to advance, two more shots were fired, and she collapsed in the driveway.
One officer immediately reported the shooting and called for emergency medical services to respond to the scene. Police said officers rendered emergency medical aid, but the video ends before they do.
From the moment the door was open until Miller collapsed, 17 seconds elapsed.
The female family member was also transported to an area hospital to be treated for injuries resulting from the domestic disturbance. Police report that the residence also has an interior security camera that recorded the earlier domestic disturbance, but that recording was not released.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with the family of the deceased and all who were involved in this tragic event,” police said.
The responding officers have been placed on administrative leave as required by departmental policy. The Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force is conducting an independent investigation at the request of the Flossmoor Police Department.
The police department website includes links to policies, including those governing use of force.