Harper Woods Mayor Kenneth Poynter turns in letter of resignation amid controversy

HARPER WOODS, Mich. – The mayor of Harper Woods, Kenneth Poynter, has turned in a letter of resignation.

Protests have been taking place in Harper Woods over the death of 37-year-old Priscilla Slater. Slater died while in police custody. She had been arrested in connection with a shooting incident on June 9.

Slater was found unresponsive inside a holding cell on June 10 in Harper Woods. According to officials, medics immediately attempted to revive Slater but were unsuccessful.

Priscilla’s death sparked multiple protests, including in front of the mayor’s home. Teferi Brent said the protest was because of an incident that happened where the mayor’s wife ripped up a protester’s sign while some of Slater’s loved ones were present. Poynter said it was a sincere attempt to offer condolences gone wrong.

READ: Protesters demand answers in Priscilla Slater’s death at Harper Woods mayor’s home

The city manager had asked Poynter to resign after the mayor came under criticism for making controversial comments.

READ: Harper Woods personnel on administrative leave after woman dies in police custody