![]() Louis following the judge's decision to acquit Stockley. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner said she was “disappointed” by the decision.Įarlier this week, Smith’s fiancée had urged the community to avoid violence. Louis Circuit Judge Timothy Wilson said the state failed to prove that Stockley did not act in self-defense. “I can feel for and I understand what the family is going through, and I know everyone wants someone to blame, but I’m just not the guy,” Stockley said. Stockley had said he acted in self-defense and believed Smith was reaching for a gun in his car, but prosecutors accused the officer of planting a silver revolver to justify the shooting. I don’t want anyone to be hurt in any way over this,” he added. … My main concern now is for the first responders, the people just trying to go to work and the protesters. “The taking of someone’s life is the most significant thing one can do, and it’s not done lightly. “It feels like a burden has been lifted, but the burden of having to kill someone never really lifts,” he said in an interview with the St. After he pleaded not guilty to a murder charge, he waived his right to a jury trial, meaning the ruling was left to the judge.Įx-police officer Jason Stockley waived his right to a jury trial. Louis officer, fatally shot Smith, 24, after a police chase in December 2011 over a suspected drug deal. Protesters made their way to police headquarters and called for police resignations and an economic boycott of St. We will protect people’s lives, homes, and communities,” Missouri Gov. “I will protect people’s constitutional right to peacefully protest, but violence will not be tolerated. While we support all first amendent rights, violence & destruction of property is not free speech. Video footage showed officers using tear gas to disperse the crowds after police said the protests were considered an unlawful assembly. Protesters break window at what they think is #stl Mayor Lyda Krewson's house /uW0JmwQ70l- St. They also hit officers with water bottles and other items, police said.įour police officers were assaulted, with one treated for a hand injury, officials said. ![]() Louis police said demonstrators later threw rocks at the mayor’s home and smashed the windshield of a police vehicle. While the protests started peacefully, St. Some held hands and prayed while others chanted, “No justice, no peace!” Louis blocked highways and threw rocks at the mayor’s house Friday after white former police officer Jason Stockley was acquitted in the 2011 shooting death of black driver Anthony Lamar Smith.Īfter the verdict, protesters and activists gathered outside the courthouse and marched through the city’s downtown for hours.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |