A group of police vigilantes in the UK are investigating why a local department failed to prosecute a man for assault and even returned his shotgun, despite multiple warning signs of its potential danger, according to reports.
Jake Davison, 22, is accused of shooting five people last week, including his mother.
Davison was the owner of a legal shotgun who had his weapon confiscated after admitting a December attack on two teenagers in Plymouth Park.
He was never prosecuted for the attack. Instead, he completed a four-month program aimed at reducing the risk of recidivism. Police returned his weapon on July 9.
Just a month later he shot and killed his mother, Maxine, 51, and four other people before handing over his weapon. Davison allegedly argued with her mother before shooting her in the head, according to Sky News. Lee Martyn, 43, daughter of Sophie Martyn, 3, Stephen Washington, 59, and Kate Shepherd, 66, also died.
The Independent Police Conduct Office is investigating the Devon and Cornwall police department’s decision to “divert Davison from prosecution for assault” and return the firearm to him, The Guardian reports.
The research also studies Davison’s mental state. He had posted on social media that he was going to see a doctor to treat “mood problems” and “panic” just two weeks before the murder.
He also revealed on social media his hatred of women and homosexuals and his interest in the “involuntary celibacy” movement, in which men blame women for their loneliness, The Guardian reports.
The IOPC is investigating whether the appropriate laws and protocols were followed given the numerous warning signs and lack of prosecution for the previous offense.