MarkTwain, I’m not convinced beyond a shadow of doubt that it is murder one. What I am convinced of is that this officer used very poor judgment. That judgment resulted in the death of this individual.
Granted it’s easier for me to sit here and evaluate than it was for him, but he should have known better than to reach into that car. Once he did, it instantly escalated it to a life and death situation.
This guy was afraid. He was a flight risk, not because he hated the officer, but because he was afraid. Now he’s dead simply because he was afraid.
Perhaps he had a reason to be. All we can tell with the video was that he was complying with the officer. He wasn’t visible angry or out of control. His demeanor was one of respect and compliance.
Once he didn’t have his papers, he became very afraid. At that point the officer had choices to make. The primary one was, “Do I reach into the car and instantly turn this into a life and death situation?”, or do I allow this guy to run and capture him later at home?
Run the license plate. Send cars to the home. Pick the guy up later.
He could have followed at a safe distance too. Don’t approach the guy and let him drive until empty thinking he had avoided the police.
I hate to see a guy killed in this type of circumstance. If he had been threatening the officer, belligerent, combative...
This guy may have a long rap sheet, but the offenses could have all been non-violent.
It just seem strange to watch what seems like a ding-bat Black “good old boy” have his life ended over something like this.
I will tell you, if you’re in that situation and pull your feet up and put your knees into the side of the car, your legs aren’t going under the car. Grab the steering wheel and pull the care off the street. Don’t kill the guy.
The guy could have had gun handy too, so who knows.
I hated to see a guy with that demeanor wind up dead. I’m usually a fairly strident defender of officers, but his just seems like the worst possible outcome, and I don’t think the driver was the only one making poor choices here.
“I hated to see a guy with that demeanor wind up dead. I’m usually a fairly strident defender of officers, but his just seems like the worst possible outcome, and I don’t think the driver was the only one making poor choices here.”
I agree that the death was unnecessary. It was a poor tactical move to reach into the car, but it likely was “encouraged” by the fact that the offender seemed to be somewhat compliant.
The fact that he was *not* compliant, held the door closed, and then started driving off, was certainly instrumental in the end result.
Murder One? Not even close. Where is the premeditation?
Murder two? Maybe
Manslaughter — Could be.
Justified - Have to wait until trial and see what all comes out.
As to the fear of the driver, what was he afraid of? Being ticketed? Having the car towed?
I am seriously attempting to determine the source of the driver’s fear, outside of being held accountable for criminal activity, even if minor.
The officer appeared to be very courteous until the driver refuses to follow commands.
Certainly a bad situation, but I do not see any case for Murder 1.