Mayor Tannehill: No Action Taken Regarding Suspension of More OPD Officers

Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill denied rumors that other police officers may have been suspended or terminated in connection with the murder of Dominique Clayton, a mother of four who was fatally shot May 19.

Former Oxford police officer Matthew Kinne was arrested May 20 and charged with her murder.

On Tuesday, Tannehill released a statement saying that the city had received numerous requests for information by media outlets regarding the investigation.

Matthew Kinne

Kinne was terminated from his job at the Oxford Police Department on May 21; however, rumors developed that several OPD officers were either fired or suspended for unknown reasons that were somehow connected to Clayton’s murder.

“As with any tragedy that occurs, there are many rumors that surface,” Tannehill said. “We cannot discuss personnel issues but can confirm that the mayor and Board of Aldermen have taken no action regarding suspension or termination of any officers other than the termination of Matthew Kinne at the Board meeting ….”

Tannehill said the city and OPD are committed to transparency and protecting the integrity of the investigation.

“From the time this tragedy occurred, Oxford Police Department called for outside assistance from the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation to handle the criminal investigation,” she explained in the statement. “On behalf of the city of Oxford, I contacted Attorney General Jim Hood … and requested that his office conduct an internal investigation … These two entities will complete thorough investigations with the full cooperation and support of the Oxford Police Department and the city of Oxford.”

Tannehill said Oxford continues to mourn alongside the Clayton family.

Dominque Clayton 
Photo from Facebook

“Dominique Clayton was a mother, daughter, sister and friend and I simply cannot imagine the pain her family is dealing with right now,” Tannehill said. “We extend our deepest sympathies to Dominique’s family and friends. It is my prayer that this tragedy will unite us as a community.

“The most important focus right now is seeking justice for Dominique Clayton.”

Hottytoddy.com staff report