For one grieving family in Worcestershire, the festive season has been forever marked by tragedy. Anthony Meade and Deborah Clarke say Christmas now 'means death', exactly one year after their son was fatally shot by a police officer.
A Stand-Off Ends in Tragedy
Marcus Meade, aged 39, was shot once in the chest by a West Mercia Police officer on Christmas Eve 2024. The incident followed a five-hour stand-off at a property in Redditch. Reports from the day indicated that Marcus, a father-of-two, had been holding a knife.
His parents have described a man who had struggled with mental health issues for several years. They insist that on that fateful day, he was home alone and was only a danger to himself. "Marcus was crying out for help that day," his father Anthony stated. "He was talking about killing himself, but he was crying out for help."
A Year Without Answers
The family's anguish has been compounded by a lengthy wait for official answers. The case is being investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), which has stated its inquiry is now at an "advanced stage".
West Mercia Police have described the death as "tragic" but said it would not be appropriate to comment further while the IOPC probe is ongoing. The IOPC has acknowledged the family's need for answers, confirming it has received expert reports analysing the planning and execution of the firearms operation.
A Call for Accountability and Justice
Supported by community advocate Bishop Desmond Jaddoo, the family delivered a petition to the force's chief constable calling for the suspension of the officer involved. "We need to get the answers," said Dr Jaddoo. "Someone needs to be held to account for what happened."
Marcus's mother, Deborah Clarke, summed up the family's devastating loss: "He was everything to me." She added a simple, powerful demand: "We want justice." As the IOPC considers its next steps, the Meade family faces a second Christmas forever altered by their search for truth and accountability.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK.
