Mother of man seen on video being beaten by Smithfield police wants justice

WILSON, N.C. (WTVD) — Janice Ellis said her son Terrence D. Ellis has lost much of the playfulness in the past month that has defined his 35 years.

“Now he’s like, ‘Mom, I’m scared to go to Smithfield,'” she told ABC11 Monday outside Wilson Medical Center, where her son is. She said it was her second visit to the hospital since the incident.

Terrence D. Ellis is the man seen on cell phone video was beaten by a Smithfield police officer outside the Amazon distribution center in October.

Janice Ellis said she has been asking for the police dashboard camera to be released since that incident, but has had no luck.

ABC11 attempted to obtain it, but the video still under review by the Johnston County District Attorney.

“I just want justice for my son and others,” she said. ‘Not just him. There are many more.’

Police said they tried to stop Terrence D. Ellis a mile near the facility with flashing lights and sirens.

Once they caught up with him at Amazon – where he was heading for a night shift – an altercation began.

Police said they had to escalate the situation because Ellis lashed out first.

Janice Ellis said otherwise. She said her son told her he responded after police waved toward him.

Terrence D. Ellis is facing several charges, including assault on a law enforcement officer and driving under the influence.