Footage of Shooting Released Ahead of Bill Butler Memorial Celebration
Hillsdale County—Almost a year after the incident, on 26 June 2025, MLIVE released video footage of the shooting of Hillsdale County Sheriff’s Deputy William Butler Jr.
On 27 June 2024, Butler was shot and killed by Eric Fiddler, 34. Fiddler escaped on foot and was later shot and killed by Michigan State Police.
The video footage shows Butler and his partner trying to arrest Fiddler, who, in the available footage, was uncooperative.
“Give me this hand right now,” an unnamed female officer can be heard saying as Fiddler is pinned to the ground.
Fiddler can be seen wriggling out of the position, turning and pointing a gun, presumably at Butler, while his partner shouts, “gun,” just before the video footage is redacted.
Fiddler fled from the scene on foot and was later killed in a shootout after the Michigan State Police arrived on the scene to conduct a manhunt. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel ruled on 5 March 2025 that the troopers acted in self-defense.
In memory of Deputy Butler, the Leighr A. Wright American Legion Post #53 will host the William H. Butler Great American Celebration at the Hillsdale County Fairgrounds in the evening on Thursday, 3 July.
A firework show will follow, beginning at dusk.
Jacob Bruns
Everyone should read the YouTube comments. Absorb them outside our community's bubble.
"Gun, gun, gun" took about 3 seconds I can at old and grey cover about 15-20 yards in that time....
Brown v Texas
People v Mead
Mimms v Pennsylvania (Butler didn't need permission to frisk Fiddler)
The badge cam should have been released months ago.