In Virginia, authorities say that “human error” led to the hiring of former state trooper Austin Edwards, 28, who has been accused of killing a California family after he “catfished” a teenage relative.
“Human error resulted in an incomplete database query,” Virginia State Police said in a statement. However, the police did not elaborate on the error.
“Although we believe this to be an isolated incident, steps are currently underway to ensure the error is not repeated going forward,” the statement said. “The department is also proactively auditing existing personnel records and practices.”
Officials say that Edwards didn’t divulge anything that would have prevented him from getting the job.
According to a police complaint, Edwards threatened to harm himself and his father in 2016 and was held for a mental health assessment, the Los Angeles Times reported on Tuesday.
When Edwards was employed, Virginia State Police stated that a background check revealed no “indicators of concern.” He resigned on October 28, a few months after receiving his state police academy diploma in January.
A statement released Wednesday reported that Edwards’ behavior had not triggered administrative or internal investigations, as required for all sworn personnel.
Due to a state law prohibiting it, the police department has chosen not to disclose the reason for his resignation.
Edwards was hired by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office after resigning from Virginia State Police, where no reprimands or internal investigations were reported.
On November 25, Edwards is believed to have set fire to the Family’s Riverside home, killing the mother, Brooke Winek, 38, and grandparents, Mark Winek, 69, and Sharie Winek, 65.
According to police, Edwards drove off with the 15-year-old after previously “catfishing” her or posing as someone else – a 17-year-old – to interact with her online.
However, Riverside police spokesman Ryan Railsback said Wednesday that authorities now believe Edwards died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Previously, the police department claimed Edwards died in a shootout with officers in San Bernardino County.
The manner and cause of death of the Wineks remain unknown. Railsback said that autopsies are complete, but an investigation is ongoing.
After the killings, the teenager was placed with child protective services and received trauma counseling.
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