Matthew Neal Mitchell, a 22-year-old White man, died on July 24, 2022, after Englewood police returned fire during a standoff at a family home on South Grove Street. Officers had been dispatched that evening on a call for a suicidal person; as they arrived, gunfire came from inside the residence, officers took cover and returned fire. Mitchell, who was inside the home, was struck and later died of his injuries according to the coroner’s identification and police statements.

Investigative records center on Mitchell’s older brother, Phillip L. Blankenship. The affidavit emphasized that Mitchell did not fire at officers; the gunfire originated with Blankenship, who was in the same room where Mitchell had been. Blankenship was arrested on suspicion of attempted first-degree murder for firing on officers; the officers who fired were placed on administrative leave while an outside team reviewed the use of force.

Months later the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office concluded the Englewood officer whose rounds likely struck Mitchell was justified and would not face criminal charges, saying Mitchell was shot multiple times during the exchange of gunfire initiated by Blankenship. The family publicly sought answers about how a call for help for one son ended in the death of the other.

If anyone knew Matthew or was at 5007 South Grove Street that night, please share what you remember.