After reviewing evidence provided by outside investigators, a special prosecutor has cleared an Ashland County Sheriff's Deputy in the death of a teen last November.
14 year old Jason Pero was shot and killed after allegedly wielding a knife toward Ashland County Sheriff's Deputy Brock Mrdjenovich.
Investigators said the deputy saw Pero walking toward him with a knife near his house on the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa reservation.
Mrdjenovich said Pero allegedly lunged at him with the knife and he fired.
The Ashland County District Attorney wrote Friday that the shooting was justified. Investigators said they believed Pero wanted to die. They found a note saying "I love you all. Sorry. Stay happy. Love, Jason".
Officials said an autopsy showed Pero had fentanyl, an opioid pain medication, in his system and a number of apparently self-inflicted cuts on his arms.
Pero's death led to a rallies and discussions about tribal- police relations.
