Try This: 25 Supplements for Anxiety

Things to consider

Supplements aren’t meant to replace prescribed medication or other doctor-approved therapies. But they can be helpful additions to your care plan.

Although the supplements below are generally tolerated well, it’s important to understand how they may affect you specifically. Age, upcoming surgery, pregnancy, or other underlying health conditions can all affect your individual dosage. Some supplements are dangerous when taken in higher than recommended doses.

You should always check with your doctor before adding supplements to your routine. They can discuss any potential side effects or drug interactions with you.

It’s also important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn’t regulate or monitor supplements like they do for drugs. You should only buy from manufacturers you trust, as well as follow any dosage information to a T.

Read on to learn how vitamins, herbs, and other supplements may help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote overall well-being.

VITAMINS AND OTHER DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

Vitamins and other dietary supplements 

If you’re already eating a balanced diet, this type of supplementation may not be necessary. But if you know your diet is lacking key nutrients, dietary supplements may be the key to symptom relief.

Although dietary supplements aren’t a replacement for the food itself, they can help you get the nutrients you need while you get your diet back on track.

Your doctor can also help you identify or confirm any deficiencies, as well as offer information on dosage and overall dietary health.

1. Vitamin A

People with anxiety sometimes lack vitamin A. Vitamin A is an antioxidant that’s been shown to help manage anxiety symptoms.

How to use: The average supplement dose is around 10,000 international units (IU), taken as a once-daily tablet.

2. B-complex

B-complex supplements contain all the B vitamins that your body needs. Many are vital to a healthy nervous system. They may also help improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.

How to use: Label dosages for B-complexes containing all B vitamins may vary. On average, dosages range from 300 milligrams (mg) to close to 500 mg. Either dose may be taken as one tablet per day.

3. Vitamin C

Antioxidants like vitamin C can help prevent oxidative damage in your nervous system. Oxidative damage can increase anxiety.

How to use: The average supplement dose ranges from 500 to 1000 mg. This may be split across two tablets or taken as a once-daily tablet.

4. Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that helps the body absorb other vitamins. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to other vitamin deficiencies, which may compound anxiety and make it worse.

How to use: The average supplement dose may range from 1,000 to 2,000 IU. Either dose may be split across multiple tablets or taken as a once-daily tablet.

5. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is another antioxidant. Your body uses this nutrient up quickly in times of stress and anxiety. Supplemental vitamin E may help restore this balance and reduce your symptoms.

How to use: The average supplement dose is around 400 IU, taken as a once-daily tablet.

6. Fish oil

Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are antioxidants. Omega-3 supplements like EPA and DHA have been shown to help reduce anxiety.

How to use: The average supplement dose may contain up to 2,000 mg of combined EPA, ALA, and DHA. Each dose may be split across multiple tablets or taken as a once-daily tablet.

7. GABA

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAMMA) is an amino acid and neurotransmitter in the brain.

When there’s not enough GABA, anxiety can worsen. According to a 2015 review, supplements with GABA may help replace lost GABA, though more research is needed.

How to use: The average supplement dose can range from 500 to 750 mg. Either dose may be split across multiple tablets or taken as a once-daily tablet.

8. L-theanine

L-theanine is an amino acid. It’s a soothing property found in green tea.

A 2018 study showed it had antianxiety benefits in rats. A 2011 human study vouched for its calming benefits, too.

How to use: The average supplement dose is around 200 mg. This is usually taken as a once-daily tablet.

9. Magnesium

Magnesium is a necessary mineral for human health. Your body doesn’t need too much of it. But if you aren’t getting enough, magnesium deficiency may lead to anxiety symptoms.

How to use: The average supplement dose may range from 100 to 500 mg. Either dose may be taken as a once-daily tablet.

10. 5-HTP

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a neurotransmitter. It’s a precursor to serotonin. That’s the “happiness neurotransmitter” in the human brain.

A 2012 study found that 5-HTP supplements may help with anxiety. However, these are most effective only when used in certain therapies, and by recommendation from your doctor.

How to use: The average supplement dose may range from 50 to 200 mg. Either dose may be taken as a once-daily capsule.

HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS

Herbal supplements  

Certain herbs contain phytochemicals that may help ease symptoms associated with anxiety.

Herbal supplements typically come in tincture, extract, tea, or capsule forms.

11. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogen and Ayurvedic remedy. Some researchsuggests that it may be just as effective as certain medications in reducing anxiety.

How to use: The average supplement dose is around 900 mg. This may be taken as two 450-mg capsules taken one to two times per day.

12. Bacopa

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) extracts are studied for neuroprotective activity, or protection of neurons.

A 2013 study found Bacopa could also reduce cortisol. Cortisol is known as the stress hormone. It can play a role in worsening your anxiety symptoms.

How to use: The average supplement dose is around 500 mg. This may be split across two tablets or taken as a once-daily tablet.

13. Chamomile

Chamomile comes from the Matricaria chamomilla or Chamaemelum nobile species. It’s widely accepted as a natural remedy for anxiety symptoms.

How to use: The average supplement dose may range from 350 to 500 mg. This may be split across two tablets or taken as a once-daily tablet.

14. Kava kava

Kava kava (Piper methysticum) is a plant from the Pacific Islands. It’s a traditional calming tonic.

One 2016 study found that it targets the GABA receptors that manage anxiety symptoms. In this way, it enhances your body’s own natural ways of managing anxiety.

How to use: The average supplement dose is around 250 mg. This may be split across two tablets or taken as a once-daily tablet. Daily use shouldn’t exceed four weeks.

15. Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) has long been a soothing stress remedy. It has subtle sedative effects on the central nervous system that may also help with anxiety and depression.

How to use: Lavender tends to be found in anxiety supplement blends with other herbs. On its own, the average supplement dose is around 400 mg. This may be split across two capsules or taken as a once-daily capsule.

16. Lemon balm

A close relative of lavender, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) also has purported sedative properties.

How to use: The average supplement dose is around 500 mg. This may be split across two capsules or taken as a once-daily capsule.

17. Passionflower

Better known for its sweet passion fruit, passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is also a folk remedy for anxiety.

Researchers in one 2017 study found that it was just as effective as a mainstream anxiety prescription. A supplement or tincture of the flowers is said to work best.

How to use: The average supplement dose is around 500 mg. This may be split across two capsules or taken as a once-daily capsule.

18. Rhodiola

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a plant native to alpine regions. It’s been used as a nerve tonic and calming agent for hundreds of years.

How to use: The average supplement dose is around 500 mg. This may be split across two capsules or taken as a once-daily capsule.

19. St. John’s wort

The classic herb used for depression, St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum), is also used for anxiety.

Current research suggests that it’s better suited for depression-related anxiety. How St. John’s wort may help other forms of anxiety requires more research.

How to use: The average supplement dose is around 300 mg. This may be split across two to three capsules or taken as a once-daily capsule. You shouldn’t take this alongside antianxiety medication, so talk with your doctor about how or if this should be added to your treatment regimen.

20. Valerian

Although valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is better known as a sleep remedy, it may also help withanxiety.

How to use: The average supplement dose is around 500 mg. This may be split across two capsules or taken as a once-daily capsule.

MIXED SUPPLEMENTS

Supplements with mixed ingredients 

Some supplements may not contain a single nutrient or herb, but a combination of them.

Some studies show that certain combinations may work better together than alone. If you want to give one of these a try, make sure you follow the directions closely.

21. Ashwagandha and Bacopa

These herbs are often used together in traditional Indian medicine.

A 2012 Ayurvedic study found both herbs were much more effective when used together. This was especially the case with Bacopa. It showed the least effect when used alone.

22. Bacopa and fish oil

As a traditional medicine, Bacopa is administered with food to be effective. This is because Bacopa is fat-soluble, and thus more effective when consumed with fats.

A 2017 study backs this up. Researchers found that Bacopa and fish oil were more therapeutic and neuroprotective for nerve stress when used together.

23. Chamomile and lavender

These two flowers are both popular sedative herbal remedies.

According to one 2016 study, chamomile and lavender are more effective at soothing stress and relieving anxiety when used in combination.

24. St. John’s wort and passionflower

Controversy over St. John’s wort makes it unclear whether it’s good for anxiety or not. However, some propose it’s more effective when used in combination with other herbs.

One such herb is passionflower. A 2011 study suggests that the herbs’ separate compounds may phytochemically enhance the effects of the other.

25. Valerian and lemon balm

Valerian and lemon balm are both proven sedatives — particularly when used in combination.

TAKEAWAY

The bottom line

Although the research on supplements for anxiety is promising, be sure to check you’re your doctor before adding anything new to your treatment regimen. They can discuss any potential risks or side effects, as well as adjust any medications that may cause an interaction.

Your doctor may also be able to recommend other therapies and lifestyle changes to help manage your symptoms. Most supplements aren’t recommended for:

• adults over age 65
• women who are pregnant
• children

If you do try a new supplement, carefully monitor the effects it has on your overall health. If you begin experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as heightened anxiety or stomach pains, discontinue use until you can talk with your doctor.

7 Benefits and Uses of Castor Oil

Castor oil is a multi-purpose vegetable oil that people have used for thousands of years.

It’s made by extracting oil from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant.

These seeds, which are known as castor beans, contain a toxic enzyme called ricin. However, the heating process that castor oil undergoes deactivates it, allowing the oil to be used safely.

Castor oil has a number of medicinal, industrial and pharmaceutical uses.

It's commonly used as an additive in foods, medications and skin care products, as well as an industrial lubricant and biodiesel fuel component.

In ancient Egypt, castor oil was burned as fuel in lamps, used as a natural remedy to treat ailments like eye irritation and even given to pregnant women to stimulate labor (1).

Today, castor oil remains a popular natural treatment for common conditions like constipation and skin ailments and is commonly used in natural beauty products.

Here are 7 benefits and uses of castor oil.

1. A Powerful Laxative 

Perhaps one of the best-known medicinal uses for castor oil is as a natural laxative.

It’s classified as a stimulant laxative, meaning that it increases the movement of the muscles that push material through the intestines, helping clear the bowels.

Stimulant laxatives act rapidly and are commonly used to relieve temporary constipation.

When consumed by mouth, castor oil is broken down in the small intestine, releasing ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid in castor oil. The ricinoleic acid is then absorbed by the intestine, stimulating a strong laxative effect (2).

In fact, several studies have shown that castor oil can relieve constipation.

For example, one study found that when elderly people took castor oil, they experienced decreased symptoms of constipation, including less straining during defecation and lower reported feelings of incomplete bowel movements (3).

While castor oil is considered safe in small doses, larger amounts can cause abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea (4).

Although it can be used to relieve occasional constipation, castor oil is not recommended as a treatment for long-term issues.

SUMMARYCastor oil can be used as a natural remedy for occasional constipation. However, it can cause side effects like cramping and diarrhea and should not be used to treat chronic constipation.

2. A Natural Moisturizer

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid.

These types of fats act as humectants and can be used to moisturize the skin.

Humectants retain moisture by preventing water loss through the outer layer of the skin (5).

Castor oil is often used in cosmetics to promote hydration and often added to products like lotions, makeup and cleansers.

You can also use this rich oil on its own as a natural alternative to store-bought moisturizers and lotions.

Many popular moisturizing products found in stores contain potentially harmful ingredients like preservatives, perfumes and dyes, which could irritate the skin and harm overall health (5).

Swapping out these products for castor oil can help reduce your exposure to these additives.

Plus, castor oil is inexpensive and can be used on the face and body.

Castor oil is thick, so it’s frequently mixed with other skin-friendly oils like almond, olive and coconut oil to make an ultra-hydrating moisturizer.

Though applying castor oil to the skin is considered safe for most, it can cause an allergic reaction in some people (6).

SUMMARYCastor oil can help lock moisture in the skin. Though this natural alternative to store-bought products is considered safe for most, it can cause allergic reactions in some.

3. Promotes Wound Healing

Applying castor oil to wounds creates a moist environment that promotes healing and prevents sores from drying out.

Venelex, a popular ointment used in clinical settings to treat wounds, contains a mixture of castor oil and Peru balsam, a balm derived from the Myroxylon tree (7).

Castor oil stimulates tissue growth so that a barrier can be formed between the wound and the environment, decreasing the risk of infection.

It also reduces dryness and cornification, the buildup of dead skin cells that can delay wound healing (8).

Studies have found that ointments containing castor oil may be especially helpful in healing pressure ulcers, a type wound that develops from prolonged pressure on the skin.

One study looked at the wound-healing effects of an ointment containing castor oil in 861 nursing home residents with pressure ulcers.

Those whose wounds were treated with castor oil experienced higher healing rates and shorter healing times than those treated with other treatment methods (9).

SUMMARYCastor oil helps heal wounds by stimulating the growth of new tissue, reducing dryness and preventing the buildup of dead skin cells.

4. Impressive Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Ricinoleic acid, the main fatty acid found in castor oil, has impressive anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies have shown that when castor oil is applied topically, it reduces inflammation and relieves pain.

The pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory qualities of castor oil may be particularly helpful to those with an inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis.

Animal and test-tube studies have found that ricinoleic acid reduces pain and swelling (10).

One study demonstrated that treatment with a gel containing ricinoleic acid led to a significant reduction in pain and inflammation when applied to the skin, compared to other treatment methods (11).

A test-tube component of the same study showed that ricinoleic acid helped reduce inflammation caused by human rheumatoid arthritis cells more than another treatment.

Aside from castor oil’s potential to reduce inflammation, it may help relieve dry, irritated skin in those with psoriasis, thanks to its moisturizing properties.

Although these results are promising, more human studies are needed to determine the effects of castor oil on inflammatory conditions.

SUMMARYCastor oil is high in ricinoleic acid, a fatty acid that has been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation in test-tube and animal studies.

5. Reduces Acne

Acne is a skin condition that can cause blackheads, pus-filled pimples and large, painful bumps on the face and body.

It’s most common in teens and young adults and can negatively impact self-esteem.

Castor oil has several qualities that may help reduce acne symptoms.

Inflammation is thought to be a factor in the development and severity of acne, so applying castor oil to the skin may help reduce inflammation-related symptoms (12).

Acne is also associated with an imbalance of certain types of bacteria normally found on the skin, including Staphylococcus aureus (13).

Castor oil has antimicrobial properties that may help fight bacterial overgrowth when applied to the skin.

One test-tube study found that castor oil extract showed considerable antibacterial power, inhibiting the growth of several bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus (14).

Castor oil is also a natural moisturizer, so it may help soothe the inflamed and irritated skin typical in those with acne.

SUMMARYCastor oil helps fight inflammation, reduce bacteria and soothe irritated skin, all of which can be helpful for those looking for a natural acne remedy.

6. Fights Fungus

Candida albicans is a type of fungus that commonly causes dental issues like plaque overgrowth, gum infections and root canal infections (15).

Castor oil has antifungal properties and may help fight off Candida, keeping the mouth healthy.

One test-tube study found that castor oil eliminated Candida albicans from contaminated human tooth roots (16).

Castor oil may also help treat denture-related stomatitis, a painful condition thought to be caused by Candida overgrowth. This is a common issue in elderly people who wear dentures.

A study in 30 elderly people with denture-related stomatitis showed that treatment with castor oil led to improvements in the clinical signs of stomatitis, including inflammation (17).

Another study found that brushing with and soaking dentures in a solution containing castor oil led to significant reductions in Candida in elderly people who wore dentures (18).

SUMMARYSeveral studies have shown that castor oil may help fight fungal infections in the mouth caused by Candida albicans.

7. Keeps Your Hair and Scalp Healthy

Many people use castor oil as a natural hair conditioner.

Dry or damaged hair can especially benefit from an intense moisturizer like castor oil.

Applying fats like castor oil to the hair on a regular basis helps lubricate the hair shaft, increasing flexibility and decreasing the chance of breakage (19).

Castor oil may benefit those who experience dandruff, a common scalp condition characterized by dry, flaky skin on the head.

Though there are many different causes of dandruff, it has been linked to seborrhoeic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the scalp (20).

Due to castor oil’s ability to reduce inflammation, it may be an effective treatment for dandruff that is caused by seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Plus, applying castor oil to the scalp will help moisturize dry, irritated skin and may help reduce flaking.

SUMMARYThe moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties of castor oil make it an excellent option to keep hair soft and hydrated and help reduce dandruff symptoms.

Castor Oil Precautions

Many people use castor oil to treat a variety of issues, either by ingesting the oil or applying it to the skin.

Although castor oil is generally considered safe, it can cause adverse reactions and unwanted side effects in some people.

• Can induce labor: It’s used by medical professionals to induce birth. For this reason, women at all stages of pregnancy should avoid consuming castor oil (21).
• Can cause diarrhea: While it can be an effective way to alleviate constipation, you may get diarrhea if you take too much. Diarrhea can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
• Can cause allergic reactions: It may cause an allergic reaction in some people when applied to the skin. First try applying a small amount to a tiny patch of skin to see how your body reacts (22). 

The Bottom Line

People have used castor oil for thousands of years as a powerful natural treatment for a variety of health issues.

It has been shown to help relieve constipation and moisturize dry skin, among many other uses.

If you are searching for an affordable, multi-purpose oil to keep in your medicine cabinet, castor oil may be a good choice.

Chicago woman gets 3 years in Facebook Live beating of mentally disabled teen

A Chicago woman involved in a beating of a mentally disabled teen that was shown on Facebook Live has been sentenced to three years in prison.

Twenty-five-year-old Tanishia Covington learned her sentence Friday after pleading guilty to a hate crime, intimidation and aggravated battery.

Covington apologized in court while the victim looked on. 

She’s the second of four co-defendants to plead guilty in the case that received national attention because it involved a white victim and four black people who taunted him with profanities against white people.

Her sister, Brittany, who livestreamed the video, was sentenced to four years of probation after pleading guilty in December. The cases against the two other co-defendants are pending.

Body camera footage shows police never got out of cruiser to check for Ohio teen crushed by minivan seat

Body camera footage from two Cincinnati officers showed they never left their patrol car to investigate the 911 calls about a teen being stuck in a minivan last week.

Kyle Plush, 16, called 911 twice on April 10, 2018, from inside a minivan begging for help and providing a dispatcher with a description and location of the vehicle in a school parking lot. Plush suffocated after he became trapped under the third-row seat that flipped and pinned him while he was trying to reach his tennis equipment. Police said Amber Smith, the 911 operator who answered Plush’s second call, failed to relay information to the additional officers who were at the scene.

Kyle Plush died on April 10, 2018, after being crushed to death by a minivan seat.  (FOX19/Cincinnati Police)

During the call, Plush explained to Smith the call was not a joke.

"I am trapped inside my gold Honda Odyssey van in the parking lot of the Seven Hills...Send officers immediately," Plush pleaded. "I’m almost dead.” 

Smith, who has been a 911 operator for four years, returned to work this week after being put on administrative leave. She told supervisors her computer froze and she was unable to put information into the system. She also told her supervisors she didn't hear the teenager, according to a police quality review report obtained by FOX19.  

The footage showed Officers Edsel Osborne and Brian Brazile driving their cruiser around the parking lot but not leaving the vehicle, WCPO reported. Music appeared to be playing in the background.

"I don't see nobody, which I didn't imagine I would,” one of the officers was heard saying.

“I’m going to shut this off,” one of the officers was heard saying.

Records showed officers were at the school for about 11 minutes.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports the footage also shows the officers did not check all the school's parking lots.

Osborne and Brazile were not placed on administrative leave, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported.

Tiffany Hardy, a spokesperson for the Cincinnati Police Department, said the footage was “the entirety of what was recorded.” 

A Hamilton County deputy who was directing traffic also looked for the teen but did not find anything.

Another officer was told to respond to the scene later in the day but thought the call was a joke.

"I think somebody's playing pranks. It was something about they were locked in a vehicle across from the school, we never found anything. But we'll respond and see what else we can find," an officer was heard saying in the radio transmission. 

Plush was found dead hours later by his father.

Cincinnati Police Chief Eliot Isaac has called for an internal investigation into the teen’s death and why first responders failed to help him.

Missouri governor charged with felony computer data tampering

Missouri Governor Eric Greitens, already facing an invasion-of-privacy trial next month in connection with an extramarital affair, was charged separately on Friday with felony computer tampering tied to his political fund-raising. 

The new case was brought by the same St. Louis prosecutor two days before the statute of limitations deadline for the charge, which stems from Greitens’ alleged theft of a donor list from the military veterans charity he created and ran for several years.

Greitens, a Republican under mounting pressure from Missouri politicians of both parties to resign since the sex scandal broke earlier this year, called the latest case part of a “smear” campaign orchestrated by St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, a Democrat.

The governor, a former U.S. Navy SEAL commando once seen as a rising star in the GOP, vowed to clear his name in court, declaring, “People will know the truth.”

His attorney Ed Dowd called the latest allegation against Greitens “absurd” and said his client was innocent.

“Now he’s being accused of stealing an email list from an organization he built? Give me a break,” Dowd said in a statement. “Not only did he create this list donor, by donor, friend by friend, but (the charity) still has the list.”

The prosecutor’s office issued a summons for the governor to appear in court, rather than an arrest warrant, allowing Greitens to turn himself in for booking, a spokeswoman for Gardner said. She said the city attorney’s office would coordinate with Greitens’ defense team for his surrender.

A similar process was followed when Gardner brought an invasion of privacy indictment against Greitens in February - a case slated to go to trial on May 10.

According to Friday’s criminal complaint, the electronic theft occurred in April 2015, about a month after the privacy offense was alleged to have occurred, while Greitens was running for governor.

The complaint and accompanying “probable cause” statement accuse Greitens of felony computer data tampering to obtain and transmit the donor list of the veterans charity The Mission Continues without permission for his own political gain.

According to court documents in the case, Greitens directed another individual to obtain the donor list and furnish it to a fundraiser who was working on behalf of Greitens’ gubernatorial campaign.

The charity’s employee handbook and its non-disclosure agreements “prohibited disclosure of the donor list and the retention of it by anyone not employed by and working on behalf of The Mission Continues,” the probable cause statement said.

Prosecutors did not say whether anyone else faced charges in the investigation.

A growing number of Missouri’s elected officials, Democrats and Republicans alike, have called for Greitens’ ouster since he was charged in an unrelated case in which he was accused of taking a compromising photo of a woman with whom he was involved without her consent and threatening to blackmail her with it.

Both the invasion of privacy and computer tampering charges are felonies, each punishable by up to four years in prison.

Greitens, 44, a married father of two has acknowledged a months-long affair but denied any criminal wrongdoing, asserting he is the victim of a political witch hunt. He has said he intends to remain in office while he fights to prove his innocence.

Uncle: Woman came home to find man who was stalking her in closet, fatally shot him

Greenville County deputies said a suspected burglar is dead after being shot by a resident who discovered the intruder Friday morning.

Deputies said they were called to an apartment complex on Easterlin Way just after 8 a.m. after a person living there came home and found the suspect in the home.

“The resident fired at least one round and retreated outside to call and await law enforcement response,” Investigator Sean Zukowsky said in an email.

Deputies arrived and Zukowsky said they found the suspect dead in the master bedroom closet.

The victim's uncle said the suspect had been stalking his niece and had made threats against her in the past. 

“He couldn’t accept that ‘no means no,” Douglas Sweeney said.

Sweeney said his niece works at a night club and had previous encounters with the suspect while working.

Sweeney said the woman had just returned home from taking her children to school and found the man in her closet. He said he's grateful his niece is an armed CWP holder or he fears the morning may have had a different outcome.

“I’m glad she had it, because there is no telling what this joker would have done," Sweeney said.

A section of the parking lot in the apartment complex was roped off while forensics and multiple deputies descended on the apartment complex to investigate.

The coroner identified the deceased suspect as 34-year-old Quentin Ramon Oliver. Oliver died on scene, the coroner said. 

The case remains under investigation. 

Unarmed Teen Killed by Police Was ‘Simply Backing His Mom’s Minivan’ Out of Garage, Lawsuit Claims

When 17-year-old John Albers threatened suicide on FaceTime, his friends called police.

Within minutes of officers’ arrival at the teen’s home, he was dead—but not because he killed himself.

Officer Clayton Jenison allegedly “acted recklessly and deliberately” when he shot 13 times at Albers, who may not have even known police were at his home, according to a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday by his parents. The boy was “simply backing his mom’s minivan out of the family garage,” the complaint alleges.

Albers, a junior varsity soccer player and wrestler, was home alone on Jan. 20, 2018, in Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City, when police were called to the two-story house to check on him.

When they arrived at the home, two officers never “announced their presence at the residence” or even knocked on the door, the complaint alleges. Several minutes later, the family’s two-car garage door began to rise, according to the lawsuit.

Officer Jenison began moving toward the vehicle and unholstered his weapon, as Albers backed out of the garage at about 2.5 mph in a straight line, the lawsuit alleges, noting that the officer’s actions were contrary to department policies and general law-enforcement standards.

Jenison allegedly yelled “Stop! Stop! Stop!” and waited only “one second” before he fired his pistol twice at Albers. 

Video evidence from a neighbor’s front door camera shows the minivan’s rear brake lights activated as soon as the first shot was fired, according to the lawsuit. But Albers was allegedly hit, “rendering him incapacitated and completely unable to keep control of the minivan.”

Jenison—who was allegedly never in the path of the vehicle—fired 11 more shots at the minivan. Albers, a platinum-blond teen with bright blue eyes, was hit a total of six times—in the head, neck, chest, torso, and face.

Albers’ parents claim Jenison was never in danger—and had no reason to unholster his firearm in the first place. There is no indication that Albers even knew the officer was “present in his driveway or was a law-enforcement officer until after he had been shot and seriously wounded,” the lawsuit claims.

The complaint, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kansas, claims use of excessive force in violation of the Fourth and 14th Amendments and demands a jury trial to determine unspecified damages. It names Jenison and the Overland Police Department as defendants.

Albers’ life was cut tragically short despite the fact that “no officers or civilians were ever in any danger,” according to the lawsuit. The family also cites department policy, which prohibits shooting into a moving vehicle “except in self-defense or defense of another and when the suspect is using deadly force.” 

Albers had a history of “potential mental-health issues,” according to the lawsuit, but “had never threatened suicide.” He was not intoxicated or on any drugs, with the exception of Adderall, which had been prescribed by a doctor, the complaint claims.

Albers “was not suspected for any crime and had committed no crime,” the lawsuit alleges. It adds that “an objectively reasonable officer” would not have pulled out his weapon and approached the family’s minivan.

“A vehicle passing a police officer does not give that officer an ongoing license to kill an unthreatening citizen,” the lawsuit reads.

The lawsuit also notes that Jenison never received crisis-intervention training, which “teaches officers how to de-escalate and diffuse mental-health situations when answering calls for service.”

Jenison resigned from the police department “for personal reasons” following the shooting, according to The Kansas City Star.

In February, Johnson County Prosecutor Steve Howe announced that a multi-jurisdictional investigation found Jenison reasonably feared his life was in danger and was justified in his actions. Police released dash-cam video from the shooting consistent with the screenshots in the lawsuit.

“None of us can be in the mind of the officer at that time,” Howe said. “He felt he was in danger and took reasonable action.”

A spokesman for the city of Overland Park declined comment to local news outlets, citing the pending litigation.