I was on Twitter last night when I found out that Tulsa Police Officer Betty Shelby had been acquitted for killing Terence Crutcher, an unarmed Black man. There have been so many police killings of unarmed Blacks with so few charges brought or guilty verdicts that I have become numb. But yesterday’s verdict of Tulsa police officer Betty Shelby struck a raw nerve. As a former prosecutor, I respect law abiding police; I detest those officers who lack the temperament, skills and self-control to wear a police uniform. Terence Crutcher is just the latest unarmed Black victim in a decades long string of Black victims killed at the hands of police without justice. On September 16, 2016, Betty Shelby stated she fired her gun killing Terence Crutcher out of fear. That is the standard response by police officers used in these cases. It’s as if it’s in their police training manual of what to say when you shoot and kill a Black person. Nine white jurors and three Blacks evidently … [Read more...] about Blacks Go to Jail for Killing Dogs; Whites Stay Out of Jail for Killing Blacks
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High Stakes for Third Baltimore Police Officer Trial
The stakes are high for Baltimore City prosecutors as the third of six high profile police officer trials in the death of Freddie Gray starts on Monday, June 6 with Officer Caesar Goodson, the van driver. Prosecutors were unable to obtain a conviction in the first two trials of Officers Porter and Edward Nero. Porter’s case ended in a mistrial and Nero’s trial ended in an acquittal of all charges. Goodson is considered to be the most culpable of the six as he is the only officer charged with the highest charge of second degree “depraved heart” murder. And Goodson was driving the van in which the prosecutors allege the injuries occurred. Whether prosecutors will be able to convict Goodson of any charges remains to be seen. There is no doubt that high pressure is on the prosecutors in this case. There are several key things to watch for in Goodson’s case. First, Goodson did not give a statement to any investigators. And he has an absolute right to remain silent at his trial. The state … [Read more...] about High Stakes for Third Baltimore Police Officer Trial
George Zimmerman is Like a Bad Dream that Won’t End
Just as Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin, was getting past her 5th Mother’s Day without her son, Trayvon, George Zimmerman was getting ready to sell the gun he used to shoot and kill her son. Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman on February 26, 2012. Earlier this week, it was reported that Zimmerman was set to auction the gun with Gun Broker.com. They later withdrew the gun as an auction item. But there’s always someone willing to do gun business, and another company, United Gun Group, listed the gun for auction on the same day that the other company withdrew it. Zimmerman once again shows he has no remorse for taking the life of Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman’s position appears to be that the gun is his property and he can choose to sell it if he desires. And while Zimmerman may have the legal right to sell his property, he should seriously ponder if he should morally be selling the gun he used to take the life of an innocent teenager. Trayvon Martin … [Read more...] about George Zimmerman is Like a Bad Dream that Won’t End
Former Baltimore Prosecutor’s Perspective on Freddie Gray-1 Year Later
On April 19, 2015 Freddie Gray died from spinal injuries sustained on April 12, 2015 after being found unconscious 45 minutes after being placed in a Baltimore police van. In the one year since Freddie Gray’s death, there has been no accountability for his death. Six police officers were charged in the death of Gray on May 1, 2015. Whether Baltimore prosecutors will be able to convict any of the six officers still remains a mystery. The death of Freddie Gray is only one part of what the Freddie Gray case exposed about Baltimore. On May 1, 2015, State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby charged 6 police officers in the death of Freddie Gray with charges ranging from second degree murder, manslaughter, second degree assault, and various counts of misconduct. The first trial of William Porter ended in a mistrial in December. While some legal scholars and analysts derided Mosby for overcharging the officers and swiftly charging them weeks later following the incident, as a former … [Read more...] about Former Baltimore Prosecutor’s Perspective on Freddie Gray-1 Year Later
Tamar Rice Never Stood a Chance with Police
Justice is often elusive when it comes to blacks killed or injured by police whether 12 years old or 112. So it should come as no surprise when two reports issued over the weekend indicate the same will likely be true for 12 year old Tamir Rice. Tamir was shot and killed on November 22, 2014 by police officer Loehmann while he was playing with a toy gun in a Cleveland Park. A 911 call alerted that someone probably a “juvenile” with a “fake gun” was in the park. Tamir was holding a toy gun and killed within seconds of the officer arriving on the scene to investigate. And like so many before him, these reports indicate the officer was acting reasonably when Tamir was shot. The reports and passage of time since Tamir’s death leads one to almost conclude that once again justice will be denied without an indictment, arrest or trial. Two reports, both commissioned by the Cleveland prosecutor’s office came to the same result—that the officer acted reasonable in shooting and killing Tamir … [Read more...] about Tamar Rice Never Stood a Chance with Police
Money is not Justice for Eric Garner
A New York City grand jury declined to indict officers on criminal charges for the chokehold death of Eric Garner while the city settled the case for millions before the family ever filed a lawsuit. Garner’s case settled for $5.9 million on Monday. Wrongful death cases take into consideration money to award a family for their loss and criminal cases seek justice and fairness. Some argue that the amount of Garner’s monetary settlement was too high while others say it was not enough money. Wrongful death settlements consider the economic loss to family heirs and the pain and suffering to the deceased before death. The family demanded $75 million in their statutory letter to New York of their intent to file a lawsuit before the 1 year statute of limitations—on Friday. The family may still seek damages against the first responders for allegedly inept first responder assistance. No amount of money equates justice for Eric Garner and his family. Garner died in Staten … [Read more...] about Money is not Justice for Eric Garner