93-year-old Texas woman shot to death by police

Pearlie Golden, 93, before her death. (Source: KBTX)

HEARNE, TX — A disgruntled 93-year-old woman was fatally shot during a confrontation with police at her own home.

The tragic event took place on May 7th when Pearlie Golden, 93, became upset when her nephew made the decision to take her car keys away from her.  Mrs. Golden had recently failed the test to renew her driver’s license and was no longer fit to drive a car at her advanced age.

Golden, who allegedly suffered from diminished mental capabilities, became disgruntled when nephew Roy Jones refused to relinquish the keys.  In her frustration she retrieved a revolver. Jones called police for help.

Pearlie Golden's home.  (Source: KBTX) 

Unfortunately, as tenuous as the situation was, inviting the government to resolve it was even more dangerous.

Hearne Police Officer Stephen Stem responded to the call.   The distraught nonagenarian could not be reasoned with.

When she refused to drop her revolver, and shot it into the ground, Officer Stem opened fire, 4-5 times.  Pearlie Golden was struck dead.

Her family and members of the community couldn’t believe it.  They rallied in public protest against the shooting.

“Even if she did have a gun, she is in her 90’s,” said Lawanda Cooke. “I don’t see her shooting anyone.”

The outrage prompted the city council to hold a vote on whether to terminate Officer Stem.  It turned out, Stem already had another fatal shooting  under his belt since he was hired in 2012.

Jessica Vega, communications director at the police department, remarked about how unusual it was for one officer in the small town to be involved in 2 shootings in 2 years.  “People are in law enforcement for 50 years and never even have one,” she said.

Although HPD decided the shooting was justified, the city council unanimously voted to remove Officer Stem from the department.

Dealing with the mentally impaired can be challenging, but it may be a challenge that families ought to consider solving in other ways.  Armed police officers, who are more accustomed to dealing with criminals, are often less than helpful in situations that require finesse over brute force.