Wilmington officials, family and faith leaders demand transparency after police killing of Kadir Skinner

WILMINGTON — City leaders, clergy and family members gathered at a public meeting to demand transparency and accountability after the killing of Kadir Skinner by a Wilmington police officer, calling for immediate access to evidence, an independent review and clearer public communications.

Council President opened the meeting by offering condolences to Skinner’s family and stressing that while the council cannot conduct the criminal investigation it would press for “a complete and transparent investigation” and regular communication with the public. “Silence creates uncertainty, and uncertainty erodes public trust,” the council president said.

Why it matters: Council members and community leaders argued the city must balance protecting the integrity of an active investigation with providing timely information to rebuild trust. Speakers repeatedly urged the mayor and police leadership to address residents directly rather than relying on written statements or social media.

What council members demanded: Councilwoman Zanthia Oliver said the city should provide public access to police discipline and use‑of‑force records, a published timeline for releasing body‑worn camera footage, independent reviews of use‑of‑force incidents and regular public reporting on complaints and discipline. “We will continue to push reform,” Oliver said.

Council Member Chris Johnson urged immediate, concrete steps so the family can see the body‑worn camera footage and its representatives can review it. Johnson asked the department to allow that family review within 72 hours as a minimum step while broader legal and policy questions are resolved.

Council Member Chenet Darby criticized what she called long delays in implementing prior reform recommendations and announced plans for a special committee meeting next week to press the administration to explain why an external assessment of the police department has not been funded or implemented. Darby described accounts she said community members had shared — that the victim was shot in the back, handcuffed, dragged and placed into a police vehicle — and said the officer involved has been placed on administrative leave while an investigation continues.

Faith leaders and family statements: Bishop Gibson urged collective healing and legislative change, calling for accountability and transparency. A family member identifying herself as Skinner’s cousin and godmother gave an emotional account alleging the victim was shot three times in the back and dragged, and urged memorializing him; she also warned leaders to coordinate with the family before speaking publicly about the case.

What police and the mayor have said: Council members said they had limited direct communication with the administration and that many council members first learned details through social media. During the Q&A, two council members said they had spoken with the police chief, who told them he planned to allow family representatives to review body‑worn camera footage but did not give a firm public time frame.

Next steps: Council members announced a special committee meeting to press the administration about implementation of a previously proposed police‑reform assessment and pledged ongoing pressure for quicker, clearer communication and timely release of footage “as soon as the law allows.” The meeting concluded with no formal votes or policy changes.

Claims and unverified allegations: Multiple speakers repeated witness accounts and family statements that the victim was shot in the back and then handcuffed and dragged. Those are allegations reported by attendees and family members; the council noted an independent criminal investigation and a Justice Department inquiry are pending. The council did not announce a formal change in investigative authority or a new independent review body during the press event.

What remained unspecified: The meeting did not produce a written timeline for public release of footage, no binding order compelling the department to release footage publicly, and no vote or ordinance. Exact dates, the investigating agency’s schedule and the officer’s identity were not specified at the meeting.