Civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels have been retained to represent the family of Gregory Paige, a young father fatally shot by officers with the St. Marys Police Department (SMPD) earlier this month.
The shooting occurred on August 3 at the Cumberland Oaks Apartment complex, where police responded to a reported domestic disturbance.
According to the incident report, Paige was inside the apartment alone and repeatedly told officers he did not have a gun. He also refused to comply with commands to turn around and place his hands behind his back, reportedly telling officers, “Y’all fixin to kill me.” Moments later, officers forced their way inside.
Police claim one officer heard a gunshot, prompting them to open fire. Paige was killed after being struck multiple times. But so far, there’s no evidence Paige fired a weapon. The incident report itself does not confirm he had a gun, and SMPD Chief James Galloway has refused to release the officers’ body camera footage.
A cell phone video taken by a bystander captured the sound of at least 16 shots fired in rapid succession, consistent with a volley from the officers. No initial gunshot from Paige is audible on the recording.
Speaking to reporters, Daniels condemned the officers’ actions.
“Let’s be clear. Gregory Paige was in that apartment alone, posing no threat to anyone,” he said. “These officers could have done anything to resolve the situation. But instead of taking the time to talk, negotiate, or simply close the door and wait, they opened fire and killed a young father.”
Crump, who has represented families in several high-profile police shooting cases nationwide, drew a stark connection to a broader pattern.
“Like too many young Black men across this country, Gregory Paige believed these officers were going to kill him even though he posed no threat to their safety,” Crump said. “Unfortunately, like too many young Black men across this country, he was right.”
The attorneys also criticized the department’s silence, saying the family has been forced to wait a month without answers.
“This family has waited a month for Chief Galloway to do the right thing and release this video. We’re here because they deserve more than silence. They deserve justice,” Crump added.
Crump and Daniels confirmed they are exploring all legal options on behalf of Paige’s family, including the possibility of a wrongful death lawsuit. For now, they are calling for the immediate release of body camera footage and full transparency from SMPD.
