What a ridiculous headline.  There was never any doubt that this was a homicide by its very definition.  The "homicide" headline will only serve to mislead and perhaps inflame those who are not aware of the terms actual meaning.

I think we can all agree that this was a tragedy for everyone involved but there are two salient points that should be kept top of mind in this case.  1. Notwithstanding the success others had in calming the victim, someone felt it was still necessary to contact the police, who arrived on the scene quickly with less than complete background information.  2.  Once an assailant enters the danger zone (approx. 8 meters), and with no room to sidestep (hallway) an assailant armed with a deadly weapon, a police officer has less than 2 seconds to repel or eliminate the threat before he/she, and others, are at risk of serious injury or death.

As a mental health professional, and the Father of a police officer,  I have empathy for all involved.