JASPER, Texas — The lawyer representing the family of a Jasper man who was shot and killed by Jasper police, while they were serving a no-knock warrant on his home, has released a statement that he is recusing himself from any future case involving the shooting.
Jonathan Goins represented the family of Elvin Land, 67. Goins released a statement on Thursday saying that while he believes what happened to Land was "despicable", he is unable to help the family as their lawyer.
Goins says in his statement that the facts surrounding the officer-involved shooting remain. He says that the officers had a valid warrant that gave them a legal right to be in the home.
"They announced their presence before and after entering Mr. Land's home. Under the law, an individual is justified in his use of force as long as the force is not greater than or equal to the initial force. Also, the force may be exerted until the threat is eliminated," Goins said in the statement.
Goins ended his statement by saying that although he is unable to help them with litigation efforts, he will still be there for the family.
According to the preliminary investigation by Texas Rangers, when the two Jasper officers entered and were "clearing" the house Land began firing at them. One of the Jasper officers was hit in his ballistic vest, according to DPS.
Both Jasper officers returned fire, killing Land, according to the statement.
While serving the warrant, Jasper police say they found 422.9 grams (approximately 1/2 pound) of suspected cocaine.
Brian Keith Land, 46, of Jasper, was arrested and has been charged with manufacture and/or delivery of 400 grams or more of a controlled substance in penalty group one, which is a first degree felony, according to the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.
He was also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, which is a third degree felony. His bond on both charges has been set at $95,000.
Police released a picture showing the gun that Land had at the time of the incident, according to Jasper police. The picture also shows the gun in Land’s possession, another gun and the cocaine. All were seized from the house, according to police.
12News has reached out to the family of Land to see if they will continue to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the Jasper Police Department.
This is a developing story, 12News will update when and if we receive more confirmed information.
Jonathan Goins Statement:
To the Citizens of Jasper, Texas:
Thank you for your trust and for your vote of confidence throughout the years. What happened to Mr. Elvin Land on June 4, 2024, prior to dawn is despicable. Mr. Land did not deserve to be ambushed and shot over 20 times. Let's be clear this was overkill.
However, there still remains the facts surrounding this unfortunate incident. A law enforcement officer was serving a valid search/arrest warrant and was shot while executing this warrant. The officer(s) had the legal right to be present in Mr. Land's home. They announced their presence before and after entering Mr. Land's home. Under the law, an individual is justified in his use of force as long as the force is not greater than or equal to the initial force. Also, the force may be exerted until the threat is eliminated.
Although I am unable to assist in litigation efforts, I am here for the Family, the citizens of Jasper, and its surrounding areas. I thank you again for your time, and leave here with my prayers.