Ruling Says Officer Justified In Shooting, Killing Sword-Wielding Man

DENVER (CBS4) - An Auraria Campus police officer was justified when he shot and killed a man carrying a sword, according to a decision by the Denver District Attorney's Office.

Last month a man was spotted running across campus carrying the three-foot long sword. When the officer came in contact with the man, he nearly severed the officer's finger.

Jeffrey Albert Musick, 38, died from multiple gunshot wounds.

The district attorney's office reviewed what happened and ruled the use of deadly force was needed because of the threat the man posed.

The report also details what Musick was wearing and the weapons he was carrying when he attacked Auraria Police Officer Robert Burnett near the intersection of 9th and Walnut.

Burnett was swiped by the sword as he stood an estimated eight to 10 feet away from Musick. He suffered injuries to his hand.

According to the report, Burnett was in extreme distress, "moaning and wailing" from his injury.

The sword used in the attack measured more than three feet long and one inch long.

According to the report, Musick "raised the sword overhead and brought it down with two hands."

In Burnett's words, Musick "literally tried to, uh, slice me in half, I guess."

The morning of the attack, Musick was wearing what has been described by police as a homemade ninja outfit.

Burnett told investigators, "This guy is trying to kill me and there's no going around it and so I got to put a stop to this."

Burnett fired his gun three times, killing Musick. Burnett didn't know he was injured until it was over. He suspects he was sliced just before he discharged his pistol.

Although Burnett has been cleared of any criminal charges by the Denver District Attorney's Office, he still faces an internal investigation within the police department.

LINK: Read The Decision Letter