Before HM Coroner Louise Hunt
Birmingham and Solihull Coroner’s Court
Sitting at Edgbaston Cricket Ground
Opens 2 November 2021 for 3 – 4 weeks
Trevor Alton Smith, a 52 year old Black man, was fatally shot by police officers shortly after 5am on 15 March 2019. The incident occurred in his bedroom in Lee Bank, Birmingham during an intelligence-led operation by West Midlands Police Firearms Unit.
An inquest into his death will open on Tuesday 2 November, to examine the circumstances and actions of officers involved.
Trevor was a much loved father of two whose family describe him as a very bright, talented, creative individual who was full of charisma. He was a caring, kind, generous spirit whose heart belonged to his family. He experienced depression following the sudden death of his father, two years before his own. He had been under the care of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust services.
Ahead of the hearing, Trevor’s family said: “We turn to the inquest to provide answers as to what happened that morning resulting in Trevor’s death. It must ask serious questions about how the police engage with people with mental ill health.
The majority of police officers have been granted anonymity at the hearing, and their evidence will be heard from behind a screen. Officer N, who discharged the fatal shot, is scheduled to give evidence on Thursday 4 November, following the operational firearms commander for the incident.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information, interview requests and to note your interest, please contact Lucy McKay on 020 7263 1111 or lucymckay@inquest.org.uk
NOTE: Numbers in court are restricted. Please contact the Coroner’s Office directly to register your attendance or request remote access. Contact: 0121 303 3228. lucymckay@inquest.org.uk
Trevor’s family are represented by Errol Robinson of McGrath and Co Solicitors, and INQUEST Lawyers Group member Rajiv Menon QC. The family are supported by INQUEST Head of Casework, Anita Sharma
Other Interested persons represented are West Midlands police force, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust.
Inquest To Examine Fatal Police Shooting Of Trevor Alton Smith By West Midlands Police
CONTENT WARNING: Please read with care as this page may involve information on death, suicide, mental illness, disability, state neglect, and police and prison violence that some people may find upsetting. If you need support, please visit our support page.
Before HM Coroner Louise Hunt
Birmingham and Solihull Coroner’s Court
Sitting at Edgbaston Cricket Ground
Opens 2 November 2021 for 3 – 4 weeks
Trevor Alton Smith, a 52 year old Black man, was fatally shot by police officers shortly after 5am on 15 March 2019. The incident occurred in his bedroom in Lee Bank, Birmingham during an intelligence-led operation by West Midlands Police Firearms Unit.
An inquest into his death will open on Tuesday 2 November, to examine the circumstances and actions of officers involved.
Trevor was a much loved father of two whose family describe him as a very bright, talented, creative individual who was full of charisma. He was a caring, kind, generous spirit whose heart belonged to his family. He experienced depression following the sudden death of his father, two years before his own. He had been under the care of Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Trust services.
Ahead of the hearing, Trevor’s family said: “We turn to the inquest to provide answers as to what happened that morning resulting in Trevor’s death. It must ask serious questions about how the police engage with people with mental ill health.
The majority of police officers have been granted anonymity at the hearing, and their evidence will be heard from behind a screen. Officer N, who discharged the fatal shot, is scheduled to give evidence on Thursday 4 November, following the operational firearms commander for the incident.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
For further information, interview requests and to note your interest, please contact Lucy McKay on 020 7263 1111 or lucymckay@inquest.org.uk
NOTE: Numbers in court are restricted. Please contact the Coroner’s Office directly to register your attendance or request remote access. Contact: 0121 303 3228. lucymckay@inquest.org.uk
Trevor’s family are represented by Errol Robinson of McGrath and Co Solicitors, and INQUEST Lawyers Group member Rajiv Menon QC. The family are supported by INQUEST Head of Casework, Anita Sharma
Other Interested persons represented are West Midlands police force, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Trust.
Make a Donation
Every year, INQUEST supports hundreds of families bereaved by deaths involving the state. We are independent of government and entirely reliant on grants and donations to continue our vital work.
Support us and bereaved families in the fight for truth, justice and accountability by becoming a regular donor today.
Donate now
Related items
We work to improve police accountability following the use of force and advocate for non-policing solutions
Subscribe to our newsletter
To receive the latest news from INQUEST straight into you inbox please subscribe. For examples of what you will receive, see our previous newsletters.