The trial of Randall Kerrick, the Charlotte police officer who shot and killed Jonathan Ferrell, in September, 2013, starts today beginning with jury selections. Randall Kerrick’s arrest and charges marks the first time in thirty years that a Charlotte police officer is charged for an on duty shooting. Jonathan Ferrell age 24, an African American former college football player, knocked on the door of a woman at 2:30 am following a car accident. Suspecting a burglary, she called the police. Three police officers arrived—two black and Kerrick, a white officer. As Ferrell approached the officers, Kerrick fatally shot him 10 times. In what the Charlotte police chief cited as excessive force, a grand jury indicted Kerrick with the intentional killing of Ferrell. The two black officers never fired. Kerrick alleges he feared for his life when Ferrell allegedly didn’t stop approaching him when told to do so. The case garnered little national … [Read more...] about What to Watch for in the Jonathan Ferrell Case
Archives for July 2015
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
Why was Baltimore’s Police Chief Really Fired?
Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake fired police chief Anthony Batts this week. His firing comes on the heels of the unrest in Baltimore following the death of 25 year old Freddie Gray allegedly caused by 6 police officers who were charged. While Batts was originally the darling of those elite group of officers who bring a different perspective to the force, he was hardly liked and respected by his officers and their police union. Batts spoke out in April during a press conference and stated that his officers did not follow police protocol in failing to seat belt Freddie Gray. Gray was found 44 minutes after his arrest in an unconscious state. He died days later of spinal injuries. Batts' comments about the Baltimore police didn’t stop there. He said the officers should have sought medical attention for Gray. After that, whatever he said caused the ire of the men and women he commanded and the Baltimore Police Union. And what transpired was a spike in crime and … [Read more...] about Why was Baltimore’s Police Chief Really Fired?