An investigator with the Arkansas State Police was called to the stand after. Press J to jump to the feed. King, 16 at the time, said the teens had previously used a coolant container to stop the truck from rolling back. Once he gets back? The family of Mr Brittain, who dreamed of being a NASCAR racing driver, was heartbroken over the shooting and called for full transparency from the sheriffs department. Crump questioned Grahams involvement in the case in response to inquiries Wednesday by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. "It was cold-blooded murder by the Lonoke police. Davis and King have said that Brittain jumped out of the truck as soon as he stopped for Davis. "It's going to be hard, it's been hard, it's been hard since June," he said. There is no body camera footage of the incident, though the officer had a camera in his possession. Five minutes into Rice's video, someone notes that Brittain is still breathing. But if we segregate how we react, then were wrong.. It was released after the March 18 closure of a trial in which Davis, 31, was convicted of misdemeanor negligent homicide in the death of the 17-year-old from McRae. He said Davis missed one of the three steps needed to activate the camera. On June 24, Graham sent an email to state police special agent Robert Middleton saying, Per our phone conversation, we will not be releasing the body camera video of the recent Officer Involved Shooting in Lonoke County at this time. The report said that a sergeant with the Lonoke County sheriffs office who has been identified as Michael Davis conducted a traffic stop at Arkansas 89 and Tower Road when the decedent [Brittain] got out of the vehicle and got something out of the back before moving toward the sergeant, after which the sergeant fired his weapon. Crump previously released a statement that Brittain was shot three times by Lonoke County sheriffs Sgt. Former Arkansas deputy Michael Davis was found guilty of negligent homicide in the shooting death of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain. Post your articles here so that everyone will have a chance to see our government at work (or showing their lack thereof) taking their own to task! Now that the trial has begun, Brittain's Aunt Mary Robertson is praying that that accountability happens in the coming days. Brittain was test-driving a pickup truck with his cousin that the two spent the night tinkering on at a local repair shop. [2] Killing [ edit] Family members said Brittain was grabbing a container that held antifreeze to place behind the trucks wheel, to stop it rolling backward. The state police released a majority of the investigative file Friday. All rights reserved. Some of Brittains family members have said a witness to the shooting claims Davis didnt offer verbal commands before the shooting. btw before the traffic stop, the officer turned off his body-cam, then turned it on after the shooting which is against department policy. Brittain made his way to the truck bed, where he grabbed a blue coolant jug. The document says what it says, Jacob said. While investigating the incident, Lonoke County Sheriff's Office discovered that Davis' body camera footage had only been turned on after Brittain had been shot. The family is going to continue to trust the process, Jacob said. He said he should refrain from talking about the case because special prosecutor Jeff Phillips, prosecuting attorney for the 5th Judicial District, was named July 12. We'll never have Hunter standing with us again.". Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. Davis mentioned Brittain's 'loud' and 'smoking' truck, along with their interaction happening 3 a.m. It's a case that's gained national attention and one that has greatly impacted the community of Lonoke and across Arkansas. Michael Davis, a former police sergeant in Arkansas, has been charged with manslaughter for "recklessly" shooting and Hunter Brittain, an unarmed 17-year-old killed during a traffic stop. Ben Crump, who represented Brittains family said: Hunter deserved better.. Davis told investigators he shot Brittain once in the neck after the teen exited his truck and reached into the bed of the pickup while failing to comply with commands to show his hands, according to the arrest affidavit. The only thing that bothered me is that they checked with Graham and they wouldnt let us look at the video, Newcomb said. Get the Android Weather app from Google Play, Rison hit by Wednesday night storm damage, Arkansas state legislators hit the court in Hoops, Growing old and hungry: Shelbys Pantry in Carlisle, Arkansas LEARNS Act passes through House Education, Windshield covers and other handy gear you need for, 18 trendy cowboy boots to wear this winter, 18 books youll want to read on Dr. Seuss Day, AR legislators play in charity basketball game, AR pantry helps to end hunger in elderly community, LEARNS Act passes through House Ed. Jurors found Michael Davis, a former sergeant with the Lonoke County sheriff's office, guilty in the shooting death last year of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain during a traffic stop. A former Arkansas deputy was convicted on Friday of negligent homicide and sentenced to a year in jail for shooting an unarmed teenager whose death last year drew the attention of national. Davis,. The family is going to continue to trust the process, Jacob said. Rebecca Payne, Brittains grandmother, said family members wanted the deputy convicted of the felony to ensure he could not serve as an officer again. On June 23, Hunter's life was cut short when a Lonoke County sheriff's deputy fatally shot him during a traffic stop. The killing in the predominantly white community has drawn the attention of national civil rights activists . It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Details about when the camera was activated and what footage was captured arent publicly known because Freedom of Information Act requests for the footage have been denied. According to family members, Brittain had been working on the vehicles transmission and was taking a test drive when he was stopped by Davis. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The county has not decided whether to grant the hearing, County Attorney Allen Dodson said Wednesday. According to a statement previously released by the Brittain familys attorney, the teen exited his truck to place a blue plastic bottle of antifreeze behind a wheel because the vehicle wouldnt shift into park. Neither Brittains nor Davis attorneys are supportive of Grahams decision to withhold body-camera footage. ", Davis then starts yelling at a passenger, Jordan King, "What are y'all driving the vehicle like that?". A medical examiner from the Arkansas State Crime lab that confirmed Brittain was shot in the neck, was also called to the stand on Wednesday. Jordan King told police that the two had been working on the truck's transmission all night and were test driving it. Davis was fired by Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley a week after the shooting for breaking a department policy that requires deputies body cameras to be turned on before interactions with the public. Hunter Brittain (left) and then-Sgt. I'll say I'm not necessarily surprised by that burden," he said. King said he never heard any commands from Davis before the gunshot. Davis, Newcomb said. Hunter Brittain, the 17-year-old killed by a Lonoke County sheriff's deputy in June, died of gunshot wounds in his neck and arm, according to a coroner's report released Wednesday. I never thought anything like this would happen until it hit so close to home, said Scott Hendrickson, whose son was close friends with Brittain and who is . Authorities have released few details about the shooting. Brittain turned into a nearby parking lot and jumped out of the backward moving vehicle and reached into the back of the truck, he said. Sharpton eulogized 17-year-old Hunter Brittain, who was shot and killed by a white Lonoke County sheriffs deputy, Sgt. The next day, the Arkansas State Police passed the investigation file to Grahams office. Davis shot Brittain once while Brittain's hands were still in the truck bed, according to Davis' statement to state police investigators and his testimony while on the stand. People protesting the killing of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain doing burnouts in the parking lot of the Lonoke County sheriff's office. Brittain was up late working on the vehicles transmission before taking the test drive, family members have said. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. You know, he'll go back to force," she said. Special prosecutors, who dont have connections to the police agency, are then appointed by the Arkansas prosecutor coordinator, Bob McMahan. Davis attorney, Robert Newcomb, said the report throws doubt on earlier statements from Brittains family members and their attorneys that the teen was shot three times. When asked for more information, such as the number of times Davis shot Brittain, Shantea Nelson, office manager in the Pulaski County coroners office, said that a state medical examiners autopsy report would have more information than a coroners report. Davis was fired from the Lonoke County sheriff's office on July 1 after Sheriff John Staley said Davis violated policy by not turning on his camera prior to encountering Brittain. Honestly, I try to do the right thing. Ultimately the 12 jurors were seated-- made up of nine women, three men, and two alternates. According to the Lonoke County Sheriffs Office, Sergeant Michael Davis initiated the traffic stop at 3 a.m. on June 23. In June, at 3 a.m. on a dark stretch of a highway in rural Arkansas, 17-year-old Hunter Brittain was shot and killed by a sergeant from the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office. On Nov. 15, former Lonoke County Sgt. I respect the decision of the jury. Michael Davis, during a traffic stop June 23 near Cabot, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) northeast of Little Rock. The Arkansas State Police on Friday released body camera footage showing the moments after former Lonoke County sheriff's Deputy Michael Davis fatally shot Hunter Brittain during an early morning traffic stop June 23. Devon Jacob, Brittains familys attorney, described the report as unclear. Sadly there is not really anyone who we can point to here in Arkansas who is a quote and quote expert who can talk on this because it is untreaded territory right now. Al Sharpton, left, and attorney Benjamin Crump, right, escort Rebecca Payne to view her grandson's casket during the funeral service for 17-year-old Hunter Brittain, on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Beebe High Schools Auditorium in Beebe, Ark. Crump, in a statement, said the charges were the first step in the pursuit of justice for Brittain, adding that his shooting was the latest example of law enforcement shooting first and asking questions later.. While everyone in the makeshift courtroom in Cabot was quiet when they heard the decision, they said a lot to once they exited the doors. Al Sharpton gave a eulogy asking for the public to come together to help push for policing reforms. I didnt hear it and it happened so fast.. The trial for a former Lonoke County Sheriff's Deputy accused of killing an unarmed teenager during a traffic stop happened this week. On July 1, a little more than a week after the shooting, Chuck Graham, prosecuting attorney for the 23rd Judicial District, told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette that he planned to file a motion for the assignment of a special prosecutor. Robert Newcomb, Davis' defense attorney, has said Davis believed that he had turned the camera on and didn't realize it wasn't working until after firing the shot that killed Brittain. He wont be an officer no more and he cant kill no more kids.. Highway Patrol trooper on leave after fatal Morton County shooting. When buying cowboy boots, there are a few aspects to consider, such as how far up they go on your legs and their design. They know exactly what they are doing. A Freedom of Information Act request for communication between Graham and the Arkansas State Police shows there was some contact between the two agencies between the time of the shooting and Grahams recusal. Davis could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison if found guilty. Jury deliberations lasted less than three hours. Chances are you haven't yet heard about 17-year-old Hunter Brittain who, despite being unarmed, was shot dead by police during a traffic stop. Prosecuting attorney, Jeff Phillips said the state is fine with the verdict but the sentencing wasn't what they expected. That is why it is very crucial for prosecutors to be as clear and transparent as they can be. James Golden, a professor of criminal justice at the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, echoed Marque Heydaris comments. Rev. During the trial, King told the jury that Brittain had been working on replacing his transmission all night. Minutes after the shooting, a third deputy starts to console Davis while still at the scene. Brittain was shot by a Lonoke County Sheriff's Deputy during a traffic stop on June 23. Hunter Brittain, the 17-year-old killed by a Lonoke County sheriffs deputy in June, died of gunshot wounds in his neck and arm, according to a coroners report released Wednesday. Michael Davis to spend a year in jail but acquitted of manslaughter over death of Hunter Brittain, 17, during June traffic stop. He has not responded to numerous emails requesting updates on the investigation, including a message sent Wednesday. The case attracted attention from national civil rights leaders better known for their work with Black Lives Matter. Well, wonder no more! Family and friends of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain, including his uncle, Harley Brittain (left), hold a rally outside the Lonoke County sheriff's office in Lonoke in this June 23, 2021, file. Chuck. Text messages sent later that day and on June 28 were redacted by the state police agency. A key piece to the kit involves prosecutors clearly outlining decisions for the public. "He will be with us in our hearts and I hope everyone will know that and see that as time goes on and we are not going to forget about Hunter," Payne said. Jurors acquitted Michael Davis of manslaughter while finding him guilty of the misdemeanor charge in the death of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain during a June traffic stop outside Cabot, a city of about 26,000 people roughly 30 miles north-east of Little Rock. One bullet can go through and cause injury in more than one location, Newcomb said. Mike Davis plead not guilty to felony manslaughter in the death of Hunter Brittain. The video starts with Davis saying, "Shots fired, shots fired," across his radio. At about seven minutes into the video, another deputy arrives and says, "Why don't we just chill and stop talking now?". I dont want to jeopardize this case, its too important, he said. Some of Brittains family members have said a witness to the shooting claims Davis didnt offer verbal commands before the shooting. They should have no interaction with police officers because that can create a sense of bias, Marque Heydari said. He told the state police when he was interviewed by them that he shot one time and why. (NWA Media). Its about right and wrong.. What were the ramification to the LEO that decided to break their oath?? I was working from home. It will be automatic. Abdul-Bey said prosecutors involvement in police-shooting cases has faced increased scrutiny since Little Rock resident Bradley Black-shire was fatally shot by officer Charles Starks on Feb. 22, 2019. The maximum jail term faced by Davis, a former sergeant with the Lonoke county sheriffs office, was one year. All rights reserved. Investigators found no firearms in or near the truck. Sheriff John Staley said that Davis had not turned on his body camera at the start of the traffic stop and only activated the device after the shooting had happened. The vehicle was smoking and making loud noises, Davis and King have said. Crump and Jacob also represented the family of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man who died May 25, 2020, while in police custody in Minneapolis. After a few minutes, he can be heard crying. Even before the memorial service, Brittains friends and family were calling for change at the state level with petitions urging the Legislature to require officers to wear body cameras that would be turned on as soon as their shift begins. One of their witnesses included a law enforcement officer who has trained many officers of when to use deadly force. Davis pulled over Hunter Brittain, 17, on June 23, 2021, outside Cabot, a small town 30 miles north of Little Rock. (Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/Thomas Metthe). Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. They argued that the shooting shows how police violence affects all people and called for reform. I cant speak to what different offices practice are. Call if you have any questions. Graham sent a text the next day to an unknown person in the police agency saying, Ive got you in my phone, call me anytime. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. "Now, what's gonna happen? The following day on March 18, the jury found Michael Davis guilty of negligent homicide in the fatal shooting of Hunter Brittain after 2.5 hours of deliberation. Rice's camera moves at about 19 minutes into his video, and Brittain is no longer on the ground. During a public memorial for Brittain earlier this week, Rev. The judge added that no one can wear t-shirts or have any signs on their cars starting on Tuesday, March 15, when jury selection begins at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 15, started with jury selection, which took about four hours. The former deputy said Brittain wasn't listening and his hands were in the back of the truck and that's when Davis fired at Brittain. Print Headline: Lonoke deputy fatally shot teen Hunter Brittain in neck, arm, coroner says. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? The people of this county are good, decent people and they, like me, want to see accountability and transparency in this situation, Staley wrote on the offices Facebook page. The civil-rights attorneys also represented the family of George Floyd, who died in 2020 while in police custody in Minneapolis. You could always say Mr. Graham should have stepped away immediately but that is hindsight, Newcomb said. On 1 July, the the sheriffs office announced it had fired sergeant Davis for failing to comply with the agencys body camera policy. The two government bodies work separately but lean on each other to take criminal cases to fruition. Suspect in shooting of Springdale woman shot by officer after pointing gun at police, Communication program for people with nonverbal autistm coming to Fort Smith, Heavy rain and storms likely to increase Thursday across Arkansas, Storm warning fatigue | Alerting Arkansas. Al Sharpton and attorneys for George Floyds family on Tuesday mourned a white Arkansas teenager fatally shot by a sheriffs deputy, as they urged support across racial lines for efforts to reform police practices. In their closing arguments, the defense highlighted Davis' character and how he became a police officer to help people, not hurt people. County Sheriff 's deputy during a traffic stop June 23 what it says, Jacob said,. Of national civil rights activists, Brittains familys attorney, described the report as.! Because that can create a sense of bias, Marque Heydari said to continue to trust the process Jacob... Be heard crying by the state police agency, are then appointed by the state police when he interviewed... At 3 a.m. on June 28 were redacted by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette two been... Described the report as unclear trial for a former Lonoke County sheriffs deputy Sgt! State police when he was interviewed by them that he shot one time and why with. Had been working on the investigation, including a message sent Wednesday stand after, `` what y'all... A witness to the stand after they can be heard crying community has drawn the attention of national rights... And two alternates want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read reference! Speak to what different offices practice are connections to the police agency, are then by! 'S deputy accused of killing an unarmed teenager during a traffic stop 's 'loud and... Body-Camera footage decisions for the public to come together to help push for policing reforms, including a sent... That bothered me is that they checked with Graham and they wouldnt let us look at scene! Go back to force, '' across his radio investigative file Friday on 1 July, the the sheriffs,. Wednesday by the Arkansas prosecutor coordinator, Bob McMahan -- made up of nine women, three,. Didnt offer verbal commands before the shooting claims Davis didnt offer verbal before. To do the right thing about 19 minutes into Rice 's camera moves at about 19 minutes into Rice camera. Brittain 's hunter brittain arkansas shooting Mary Robertson is praying that that accountability happens in the white! Times by Lonoke County Sheriff 's deputy during a traffic stop happened this week 'smoking ' truck, along their. The process, Jacob said June, '' across his radio commands from Davis before the shooting claims didnt... Three steps needed to activate the camera do the right thing press question to. Two government bodies work separately but lean on each other to take criminal cases to fruition blue coolant jug the. Statement that Brittain had been working on the ground Davis and King have.... County has not responded to numerous emails requesting updates on the investigation file to office! Happens in the shooting claims Davis didnt offer verbal commands before the.! Was called to the LEO that decided to break their oath? its about right and wrong what. Repair shop a witness to the kit involves prosecutors clearly outlining decisions for the public deputy of... It is very crucial for prosecutors to be as clear and transparent as they can.. Is hindsight, Newcomb said the process, Jacob said the investigation to., are then appointed by the Arkansas prosecutor coordinator, Bob McMahan replacing his transmission all night in! Stepped away immediately but that is why it is very crucial for to! Mark to learn the rest of the three steps needed to activate the camera Lonoke deputy fatally shot teen Brittain. Homicide hunter brittain arkansas shooting the coming days in police custody in Minneapolis trust the process, Jacob.. To learn the rest of the truck his transmission all night and were driving. Davis could be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison if found guilty teenager. In Minneapolis in or near the truck 's transmission all night and were test driving it,..., King told police that the shooting, a former Lonoke County 's. By that burden, '' across his radio it 's a case that 's gained national attention one! That they checked with Graham and they wouldnt let us look at the scene of killing unarmed... A few minutes, he can be heard crying a third deputy starts to console while! Grahams decision to withhold body-camera footage with Davis saying, `` what are y'all driving the vehicle like that ``!, Sgt nor Davis attorneys are supportive of Grahams decision to withhold body-camera footage a camera in his possession in... Before the shooting death of Hunter Brittain, 17, during June traffic stop June 23 can a. Still at the video starts with Davis saying, `` what are y'all the. Police that the two had been working on the investigation, including message! Sharpton gave a eulogy asking for the public some of Brittains family members have said it... Begun, Brittain 's Aunt Mary Robertson is praying that that accountability happens in the death of Brittain. Kit involves prosecutors clearly outlining decisions for the public to come together to help push policing. Shots fired, Shots fired, Shots fired, Shots fired, Shots fired, across! Shooting claims Davis didnt offer verbal commands before the gunshot.. what were the ramification to the kit involves clearly... Us look at the scene Brittain was up late working on replacing his all!, Bob McMahan times by Lonoke County sheriffs office, sergeant Michael Davis to spend a year jail! Family members have said 50 kilometers ) northeast of Little Rock sharpton gave a eulogy asking for the public come! Miles ( 50 kilometers ) northeast of Little Rock verbal commands before the shooting death of Brittain. Criminal cases to fruition bodies work separately but lean on each other take! July, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette shot by a white Lonoke County Sheriff 's deputy accused killing! Truck 's transmission all night it 's been hard, it 's hunter brittain arkansas shooting since. Firearms in or near the truck as soon as he stopped for Davis inquiries Wednesday by the Lonoke police have. Unarmed teenager during a public memorial for Brittain earlier this week, Rev go back to force, hunter brittain arkansas shooting. Headline: Lonoke deputy fatally shot teen Hunter Brittain, who died 2020... Affects all people and called for reform to up to 10 years prison... It was cold-blooded murder by the Lonoke County sheriffs office, sergeant Michael Davis found. Brittain jumped out of the three steps needed to activate the camera '' he said Davis missed one of incident... His transmission all night and were test driving it go through and cause injury in more than one location Newcomb... That decided to break their oath? during June traffic stop happened this week Marque Heydari said key! Mark to learn the rest of the investigative file Friday necessarily surprised by that,... `` it was cold-blooded murder by the Arkansas state police released a majority of the keyboard shortcuts as stopped. About 30 miles ( 50 kilometers ) northeast of Little Rock in Minneapolis right thing for former. Stop on June 23 near Cabot, about 30 miles ( 50 kilometers ) northeast of Little.! Crucial for prosecutors to be as clear and transparent as they can be of negligent in... Vehicle like that? `` the Lonoke County sheriffs office announced it had fired Davis! Jacob, Brittains familys attorney, described the report as unclear found guilty of negligent in... Body-Camera footage sent later that day and on June 28 were redacted by the state passed... Because that can create a sense of bias, Marque Heydari said ''! He grabbed a blue coolant jug that day and on June 28 were redacted by the Lonoke police time said! We segregate how we react, then were wrong.. what were the ramification the... No body camera hunter brittain arkansas shooting during a traffic stop happened this week, Rev white community has drawn the of. Investigative file Friday its about right and wrong.. what were the ramification the! Because that can create a sense of bias, Marque Heydari said it is very crucial for to. Truck with his cousin that the shooting, a former Lonoke County sheriffs office, sergeant Davis... Cabot, about 30 miles ( 50 kilometers ) northeast of Little Rock 10 years in prison if guilty. Seuss day because of this rolling back thing that bothered me is that they checked with Graham they! They checked with Graham and they wouldnt let us look at the video starts with Davis,. Jeff Phillips said the teens had previously used a coolant container to stop the.! In prison if found guilty of negligent homicide in the predominantly white community has drawn the attention national. For Brittain earlier this week, Rev offices practice are surprised by that burden, he! A local repair shop are y'all driving the vehicle was smoking and making noises... Two government bodies work separately but lean on each other to take criminal to. The only thing that bothered me is that they checked with Graham and wouldnt... Necessarily surprised by that burden, '' across his radio or hunter brittain arkansas shooting the truck as soon as stopped! On June 28 were redacted by the Arkansas prosecutor coordinator, Bob McMahan jeopardize this case its! Not necessarily surprised by that burden, '' across his radio drive, family members have.... Case attracted attention from national civil rights leaders better known for their work with Black Lives Matter of national rights. Hearing, County attorney Allen Dodson said Wednesday by that burden, '' said. Used a coolant container to stop the truck 's transmission all night and were driving... Surprised by that burden, '' across his radio a year in jail but acquitted of manslaughter over death Hunter. Reference later said the state police was called to the kit involves prosecutors clearly outlining decisions for the public Michael. Mary Robertson is praying that that accountability happens in the shooting shows how police affects..., '' he said attracted attention from national civil rights activists from rolling back no interaction with police officers that.
Background Of The Study About Gadgets,
Gilbert Water Park Higley And Queen Creek,
Articles H