Logan was shot and killed on June 16, 2019 by South Bend Police Officer Ryan O'Neill, according to court records.

The petition to request the appointment of a special prosecutor was to avoid any appearance of impropriety, according to the prosecutor's office. [read the petition]

The Chief Investigator for the prosecutor's office, Dave Newton, wrote an "officer's report" while a lieutenant with the South Bend Police Department about comments made by Sergeant O'Neill, according to the petition for a special prosecutor.

The report quoted two other officers who voiced concerns of inappropriate racial remarks made by O'Neill, according to court records.

Because the report could be relevant to the circumstances of the shooting, the prosecutor's office is seeking the special prosecutor.

In addition, there is no body camera or other recordings of the interaction between O'Neill and Logan, which means credibility of all involved will be significant to the investigation.

If appointed, the special prosecutor would review the investigation into the shooting and determine if further investigation is necessary.

Once the investigation is complete, the special prosecutor would determine whether charges should be filed and would prosecute the case if charges are filed.

South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg released the following statement:

“I respect and support Prosecutor Cotter’s decision to seek an outside, special prosecutor to investigate the circumstances of Eric Logan’s death. Our community is in anguish, and for all of us to come to terms with what happened, it is vital that the investigation be fair, thorough, and impartial.”