Punta Gorda’s Human Resources Manager has fired Police Officer Lee Coel effective today.
The notice of termination comes just a week after Coel and his attorney met with city officials. He now has ten days to appeal the firing to the city manager. Coel was suspended last August when he shot and killed 73 year old Mary Knowlton during a shoot/don’t shoot demonstration at police headquarters.
Since the shooting, Coel has been on paid administrative leave.
Three weeks ago, State Attorney Steve Russell charged Coel with felony manslaughter. At the same time, police chief Tom Lewis was charged with culpable negligence, a second degree misdemeanor.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigated the case. Details won’t be made public until that file is released to both defense attorneys.