Lawyer for the family of a man killed by police calls himself into recusal

JASPER, Texas – The attorney for the family of a Jasper man who was shot and killed by Jasper police executing a search warrant on his home has said in a statement that he is recusing himself from any future litigation related to the shooting.

Jonathan Goins represented the family of 67-year-old Elvin Land. Goins released a statement Thursday saying that while he found what happened to Land “heinous,” he could not help the family as an attorney.

Goins says in his testimony that the facts surrounding the officer-involved shooting remain. He says the officers had a valid search warrant that gave them the right to enter the home.

“They announced their presence before and after entering Mr. Land’s home. Under the law, a person is justified in using force as long as the force is not greater than or equal to the original force. Furthermore, the force can be used until the threat is eliminated,” Goins said in the statement.

Goins concluded his statement by saying that while he would not be able to assist with the legal proceedings, he would still be there for the family.

According to a preliminary investigation by the Texas Rangers, Land began shooting at the two Jasper officers as they entered the home and “cleared” it. One of the Jasper officers was shot in his bulletproof vest, according to DPS.

Both Jasper officers returned fire, killing Land, the statement said.

12News has reached out to Land’s family to see if they will continue to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against Jasper Police.

This is a developing story. 12News will update you when and if we receive further confirmed information.

Statement by Jonathan Goins:

To the citizens of Jasper, Texas:

Thank you for your trust and confidence over the years. What happened to Mr. Elvin Land before dawn on June 4, 2024 is abhorrent. Mr. Land did not deserve to be ambushed and shot over 20 times. To be clear: This was excessive.

However, the facts of this unfortunate incident remain. A police officer was executing a valid search/arrest warrant and was shot while executing that warrant. The officer(s) had a right to be in Mr. Land’s home. They announced their presence before and after entering Mr. Land’s home. Under the law, a person is justified in using force as long as the force is not greater than or equal to the original force. Additionally, the force can be used until the threat is eliminated.

While I cannot assist with the litigation efforts, I am here for the family, the citizens of Jasper and the surrounding area. I thank you again for your time and leave this place with my prayers.