Lecture Notes: Charges and Police Killing of Rayshard Brooks

Incident Overview

• Incident: Police killing of Rayshard Brooks in Atlanta
• Location: Wendy's parking lot
• Date: Last week

Charges

• Garrett Rolfe (Former officer)
  • Facing felony murder charges
  • Facing 11 charges in total
  • Potential penalty: Life
• Devin Brosnan (Other officer)
  • Charged with aggravated assault
  • His attorney claims he never pulled a gun and is unfairly charged

Evidence and Prosecutor's Justification

• Photos
  • Rolfe kicking Brooks while he was dying
  • Brosnan standing on Brooks's shoulder
• Event Details
  • Brooks was not informed he was under arrest
  • Brooks fled with one of the officer's tasers
  • Rolfe fired after Brooks pointed stun gun at him

Legal Points

• City of Atlanta's Stand
  • Prohibition on firing a taser or handgun at a fleeing person
• Prosecutor's Claim
  • Rolfe was heard saying "I got him" after shooting
  • Officers delayed over 2 minutes before giving aid

Reaction and Opinions

• Brooks' Family
  • Charges are seen as a good starting point
• Police Union
  • Officers feel unsupported by city and leaders
  • Believe the investigation is politically motivated

Statements

• Rolfe's Lawyer
  • Claims Rolfe acted out of fear for his safety and others
  • Rolfe heard a sound like a gunshot and saw a flash
• Rayshard Brooks (Earlier Interview)
  • Discussed feeling trapped in the probation system
  • Advocated for treating individuals with humanity

Bond Information

• Devin Brosnan
  • DA requests $50,000 signature bond
• Garrett Rolfe
  • DA requests no bond

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Additional Notes

• High number of Atlanta police officers called in sick as a sign of protest
• Mayor urges officers to honor their commitment
• Streets in Atlanta filled with people celebrating the decision to charge the officers