I kind of understand why the cop shot the kid. He had to make a split second decision and got it wrong. Those two SWAT wannabees came in much to fast and close though, making a calm assessment of the situation impossible and giving the boy no time to react to any commands thus putting themselves in a situation were a fatal outcome was hard to avoid.
The cops only had to make a split second decision because THEY chose to pull up right on him.
That’s no way to respond to a potential threat. The only way I can imagine justification for going to the person and shooting so quick is when the suspect is using deadly force against another.
Cops simply can’t go up to a suspect that fast and force a deadly consequence situation like that.
The situation cannot be judged based on the facts starting at the point of confrontation. It must be evaluated from the point of receiving the report and each decision from there.
At a minimum they should have observed and contacted him from a safe distance so that a quick decision wouldn’t be necessary.
As a former prosecutor and present defense attorney I can say with confidence this would be a murder charge for damn near anyone doing this in Texas like that.