Agents from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) came to reclaim one of their trailers from a lot that is infested with weeds. But, they did not expect to be confronted by the trailer’s “owner,” 49 year old Eric Minshew. Minshew had suffered a mental illness for most of his life. According to Minshew’s family, the mental illness had become much worse when Hurricane Katrina struck back in 2005.
FEMA came to inspect and retake the trailer. Minshew put up a fight and ordered them to leave. Then, he barricaded himself. Police were called into the scene when Minshew holed himself up. They were forced to fire the fatal shot at Minshew when he fired a handgun at them.
Rosemarie Brocato, one of the neighbors pleaded with police not to shoot him. Brocato explained that Minshew needed help. So far, none of the officers were harmed by Minshew.
Brocato adds that after Katrina hit, Minshew lived by himself. She adds that Minshew was probably lonely and needed people to talk to.
The reclaiming of trailers is part of the initiative to relocate Katrina victims. The CDC had discovered that the trailers provided by FEMA gave off dangerous levels of formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogenic agent. One could develop cancer due to exposure to formaldehyde.
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