DEERFIELD BEACH, FL – The family of Debra Lawrence, a woman who was missing for over a decade, is grappling with a mix of grief and unanswered questions after learning she was killed in a deputy-involved shooting in Deerfield Beach. Lawrence, who had been homeless and suffered from mental health issues, was shot by a Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy in front of a Walgreens, leaving her family in shock.
Andrew Oliver, Lawrence’s son, shared that the family had been searching for her for more than ten years, always holding onto hope that she was still alive. Instead of a joyful reunion, they were informed of her tragic death. Lawrence had been living on the streets and had recently celebrated her 60th birthday.
On the night of the incident, bystanders reported Lawrence wielding what appeared to be a machete in the middle of the road, prompting a 911 call. Deputies arrived and claimed she was armed with two large knives, allegedly swinging them in a threatening manner. The situation escalated, and a deputy ultimately fired the fatal shots.
Oliver expressed frustration and confusion over the handling of the situation, questioning the absence of non-lethal measures such as pepper spray or a taser. “Why couldn’t they wait for someone trained to handle such situations?” he lamented, highlighting the need for improved crisis intervention.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office has a crisis intervention team and a co-responder program designed to de-escalate similar scenarios, but it remains unclear whether these protocols were followed. The family is demanding answers as to why these measures were not employed.
In response, the Broward Sheriff’s Office stated that the incident is under investigation by both the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and their internal affairs. Details about the specific tactics used during the encounter have not been disclosed, leaving the family without the closure they desperately seek.
The tragic incident has ignited a broader conversation about the treatment of individuals with mental health issues by law enforcement. Advocates are calling for enhanced training and protocols to prevent such outcomes in the future.
As investigations continue, Lawrence’s family is left mourning not only her death but the lost years they spent searching for her, now knowing that she was struggling alone on the streets.