Delta County Shooting: Deputy Cleared, Family To Sue [Breaking]

Delta County Shooting: Deputy Cleared, Family To Sue [Breaking]

Does justice always prevail, or can the scales be tipped by the badge and the gun? In a controversial decision that has ignited protests and fueled accusations of injustice, a Delta County Sheriffs deputy will not face charges for the fatal shooting of Paige Pierce (Schmidt), a 26-year-old woman from Austin, Texas, during a vehicle pursuit. The announcement, made on Wednesday by the 7th Judicial District, has left Paiges family and community members reeling, questioning the circumstances that led to her death on April 9, 2021.

The incident unfolded when the deputy, later identified as Nolan Davis, attempted to contact Paige Pierce, who was driving a 2003 white Honda Accord without license plates. According to the District Attorney's (DA) report, Paige allegedly tried to elude the officer, leading to a pursuit that ended tragically near Hotchkiss on Colorado 92. The Delta County Coroners Office confirmed that Paige Pierce Schmidt, 26, of Austin, was the woman shot during the Friday traffic stop. The DA's office has stated that they will not press charges against Davis, concluding that he acted in self-defense when Paige allegedly drove directly at him after he exited his vehicle. However, this conclusion has only intensified the grief and anger of Paiges loved ones, who believe the actions leading to her death were extremely aggressive and unjust."

Paige Pierce Schmidt: Biographical and Professional Overview
Full Name Paige Yvonne Pierce Schmidt (ne Pierce)
Date of Birth April 6, 1995
Date of Death April 9, 2021
Age at Death 26 years
Place of Birth Grand Junction, Colorado, USA
Place of Death Delta County, Colorado, USA
Cause of Death Gunshot wound during a traffic pursuit
Parents Eldonna Sue Anders and Boyd Schmidt
Burial Information Cremated; memorial located in Hotchkiss, Delta County, Colorado, USA
Circumstances of Death
Paige Pierce Schmidt died during a traffic stop on Friday, April 9, 2021, in Delta County, Colorado. She was shot by a Delta County Sheriffs deputy, Nolan Davis, during a vehicle pursuit on Colorado 92, near Hotchkiss. The incident occurred after Deputy Davis attempted to contact Paige, who was driving a vehicle without license plates.
Legal and Investigative Context
The 7th Judicial District announced that the deputy involved in the shooting would not face charges, concluding that he acted in self-defense. This decision has sparked protests and legal action by Paige's family, who feel the actions leading to her death were unjust.
Additional Family Information
Survived by her parents, Eldonna Sue Anders and Boyd Schmidt, as well as uncle Vaughn Anders and grandma Patsy Lavota.
Funeral Arrangements
A celebration of life service was held on Friday, April 23, 2021, at 1st Baptist Church of Delta, Colorado. Memorial contributions were directed to Taylor Funeral Service, Inc. in Delta, CO.
Memorial ID
229034428
Reference Link
Find a Grave Memorial Page

In the wake of District Attorney Seth Ryans announcement that Deputy Nolan Davis would not be prosecuted, Paiges family is planning to pursue legal action. They have hired an attorney to ensure transparency and honesty from the Delta County Sheriffs Office during their investigation and to seek justice for Paige. The autopsy report for Paige Schmidt Pierce, fatally shot during the April traffic pursuit, has not deterred her familys intent to sue, their attorney stated on July 13. Friends and family stood outside the Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta on Wednesday, chanting for justice for Paige Schmidt Pierce, the Austin woman fatally shot by Deputy Nolan Davis in April. The screenshots taken from Deputy Nolan Davis' body cam footage, approximately 30 seconds after he fired eight shots at Paige Schmidt Pierce, have further fueled the controversy.

The Delta County Sheriffs Office (DCSO) has remained largely silent concerning the details of the chase, which took place at approximately 11:35 a.m. on that fateful day. Local law enforcement agencies and fire departments were compelled to reroute traffic from Highway 92 onto county roads for nearly an hour following the incident, highlighting the significant disruption and gravity of the situation. While the DA concluded that Deputy Davis acted in self-defense, the family's legal team is preparing to challenge this determination, arguing that the escalation of the situation and the use of deadly force were unwarranted. The family views the actions that led to Paige's death as "extremely aggressive and unjust," underscoring their determination to fight for accountability.

Adding another layer to the complexities of this case, it has been revealed that the Delta County Sheriffs Office deputy, who was cleared of criminal wrongdoing in the April shooting death of Paige Schmidt Pierce, also did not violate any substantial internal agency policies. This finding, while providing some measure of administrative closure for the Sheriff's Office, does little to assuage the concerns of those who believe that systemic issues within law enforcement contributed to the tragic outcome. The intersection of legal exoneration and perceived injustice is a recurring theme in cases involving police use of force, and the death of Paige Pierce Schmidt is no exception.

Paige Yvonne Pierce passed away on Friday, April 9, 2021, in Delta County, Colorado, at the age of 26. She was born on April 6, 1995, to Eldonna Sue Anders and Boyd Schmidt in Grand Junction, Colorado. Her loss has been deeply felt by her family, including her uncle Vaughn Anders and grandma Patsy Lavota. A celebration of life service was held on Friday, April 23, 2021, at 1st Baptist Church of Delta, Colorado. Memorial contributions were directed to Taylor Funeral Service, Inc. in Delta, CO 81416, to help with funeral expenses. The arrangements were under the care and direction of Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory. Paige Pierce Schmidt was later identified as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The pursuit began when Deputy Davis attempted to contact Paige, who was driving a 2003 white Honda Accord without license plates. According to reports, Paige tried to elude the officer, resulting in a chase on Colorado 92 near Hotchkiss. The pursuit ended when Paige was fatally shot. The details of the chase remain largely undisclosed by the Delta County Sheriffs Office. Following the incident, local law enforcement agencies and fire departments rerouted traffic from Highway 92 onto county roads for nearly an hour. This disruption underscores the seriousness of the event and its impact on the local community.

In the aftermath of the shooting, District Attorney Seth Ryan announced that the deputy would not be prosecuted. The DA concluded that Davis acted in self-defense when Paige drove directly at him after he exited his vehicle. This decision has sparked widespread protests and outrage, with many community members and Paiges family questioning the justification for the use of deadly force. The family's attorney has stated that the autopsy report for Paige Schmidt Pierce will not change their intent to sue, indicating their determination to seek justice through legal channels. Protesters gathered outside the Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta, chanting for justice for Paige Schmidt Pierce, the Austin woman fatally shot by Deputy Nolan Davis in April. The ongoing protests reflect the deep-seated frustration and anger over the perceived lack of accountability.

The family and friends of Paige feel the actions that led to her death were extremely aggressive and unjust. They have hired an attorney to ensure that the Delta County Sheriff's Office is honest and transparent with their investigation and to also ensure that Paige receives the justice she deserves. The town of Paonia has also been affected, with ongoing discussions about retail marijuana applications and the broader implications of this tragic event. The DMEA has also been involved, further highlighting the wide-ranging impact of the shooting.

The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain a point of contention. The familys legal team is actively investigating the events leading up to the fatal encounter, seeking to uncover any discrepancies or inconsistencies in the official narrative. They are particularly focused on the body cam footage from Deputy Davis, which captures the moments leading up to the shooting. The screenshots from this footage, taken approximately 30 seconds after Davis fired eight shots at Paige Schmidt Pierce, are being scrutinized for evidence of excessive force or procedural violations.

The announcement by District Attorney Seth Ryan that the deputy who shot and killed Paige Schmidt Pierce on April 9 will not be prosecuted has further galvanized the familys resolve to seek legal action. They are determined to hold the Delta County Sheriffs Office accountable for what they believe was an unjustified use of deadly force. The familys pursuit of justice is not only for Paige but also to ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and that law enforcement officers are held to the highest standards of conduct. The case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of police accountability and the use of force, particularly in situations involving traffic stops and vehicle pursuits.

The communitys response to the shooting has been marked by grief, anger, and a demand for transparency. Protests and demonstrations have been organized to raise awareness about the case and to call for a more thorough and impartial investigation. These actions reflect a growing concern about the relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve, particularly in rural areas where resources and oversight may be limited. The case of Paige Schmidt Pierce has become a rallying point for those who believe that systemic changes are needed to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

The fact that the Delta County Sheriffs Office deputy who was cleared of criminal wrongdoing in the April shooting death of Paige Schmidt Pierce also did not violate any substantial internal agency policies has raised further questions about the effectiveness of existing oversight mechanisms. Critics argue that internal investigations may not always be sufficient to ensure accountability and that independent reviews are often necessary to provide a truly unbiased assessment of law enforcement actions. The lack of transparency surrounding the details of the chase and the decision not to release further information about the incident have also fueled suspicion and mistrust.

The case of Paige Schmidt Pierce is a complex and deeply tragic situation that has touched many lives. As the legal proceedings continue and the community grapples with the aftermath of this event, the pursuit of justice and accountability remains a central focus. The familys determination to seek answers and hold those responsible for Paiges death accountable serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of transparency, fairness, and the rule of law. The hope is that this case will lead to meaningful reforms and prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

Paige Pierce Schmidt's cremated remains rest in a memorial in Hotchkiss, Delta County, Colorado, USA, a somber reminder of a life cut short and a community seeking answers. Her legacy lives on through the ongoing pursuit of justice by her family and the collective call for accountability in law enforcement practices.

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