El Paso, TX Police Misconduct Attorney – A Minnesota Police Officer is on Trial for Second-Degree Manslaughter for a Controversial Shooting
There has been widespread outrage over the alleged police shooting of Philando Castile, which was publicized through a video shot by Castile’s girlfriend after the shooting had occurred. The officer who allegedly shot Castile is currently on trial in St. Paul, Minnesota, on charges of second-degree manslaughter. A jury will decide whether the police officer should be found guilty of the charge or whether the officer was acting according to training, making a snap life-or-death decision.
What basically happened, according to different videos and statements, is that Castile’s vehicle was stopped for having a broken taillight. The police officer was speaking to Castile briefly, and Castile informed the police officer that he had a gun in the car. The officer calmly instructed the man not to reach for the gun. On a video at this point, you can hear the officer shouting, “Don’t pull it out!” In seconds, the police officer allegedly began shooting through the front passenger window. He allegedly shot seven times, narrowly missing Castile’s girlfriend, who had been driving, and her daughter, who was in the backseat.
This jury trial marks the first time in modern history in Minnesota that a police officer has been criminally charged in connection with an on-duty fatal shooting. The trial is still in progress, after which the much-anticipated verdict of the jury will be handed down.
–Guest Contributor
smchugh
smchugh