(Photo courtesy of Arizona Department of Corrections)

Michelle Cusseaux pictured in 2010.

Phoenix’s Civil Service Board has upheld the demotion of police officer who fatally shot a woman in 2014.

Phoenix police went to Michelle Cusseaux’s west side apartment with a court order to take her to a mental health facility.

Percy Dupra was among several officers who entered Cusseaux’s apartment after she refused to come out. Police say that when she threatened them with a hammer, Dupra feared for his life and shot Cusseaux.

The incident set off protests, and calls for more resources to treat the mentally ill.

Last fall, police Chief Joseph Yahner accepted a disciplinary board recommendation to demote Dupra from sergeant. Dupra appealed the decision, but it was denied this week.

Cusseaux’s family has filed a $7 million federal lawsuit against the city.