The Department of Attorney General has completed its review of the fatal shooting of Eric Michael Fiddler by Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers, concluding that no charges will be filed. The incident occurred on June 27, 2024, when Fiddler was shot and killed by officers who were attempting to apprehend him after he had allegedly murdered Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Deputy William Butler during a traffic stop.
According to the report, six members of the MSP Emergency Support Team (EST), along with two K9 officers and personnel from the Region of Irish Hills Narcotics Office, were involved in tracking Fiddler. A 9-1-1 call led them to a wooded area where Fiddler was eventually located. Despite verbal commands for him to surrender, Fiddler reportedly fired at the officers first, prompting them to return fire.
The Department's investigation included reviewing reports from MSP troopers on-scene, video footage from patrol car and body-worn cameras, laboratory reports, and other relevant materials. The legal question centered around whether the use of deadly force by the troopers was justified under self-defense laws.
"The Department concluded the MSP troopers acted in self-defense and defense of fellow officers," according to their statement. They determined that under all known facts and circumstances at the time, the actions taken by law enforcement were justified.
Under MSP policy, officer-involved shootings are reviewed by investigators from outside districts before being referred to higher authorities like the Department of Attorney General. This process aims to ensure impartiality in determining whether any criminal charges should be pursued against involved officers.
The Department reiterated its commitment to lead or support investigations into officer-involved shootings when requested by county prosecutors or law enforcement agencies within Michigan.