In July, Phillips, a prosecutor from a district on the other side of the state, was assigned to handle the case. "What the jury said is that a law enforcement officer in uniform committed a crime, and the jury has said that Hunter Brittain was unlawfully killed by Michael Davis. Michael Davis took the stand as the defense's last witness. The sentence has resulted in mixed emotions from many parties involved, that all had comments after the verdict. You know, he'll go back to force," she said. Jordan King was the passenger in the truck at the time of the shooting and was placed into custody by Davis and another unnamed deputy. No matter which side you looked at, it was a difficult week for everyone. The state police released a majority of the investigative file Friday. He was sentenced to one year of probation and 300 hours of community service. The case attracted attention from national civil rights leaders better known for their work with Black Lives Matter. A video from Rice, who arrived within minutes of the shooting, shows King on the ground in cuffs as Davis yells. Davis told authorities he gave "several commands" to Brittain to get back in his car and to show his hands as Brittain reached with both hands into the bed of the truck when he fired his weapon. A jury found former Lonoke County Sgt. Brttain went to the bed to get something(transmission fluid / anti-freeze) for the truck. the officer fired 1 shot killing the teen. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported that Davis was also given a $1,000 fine. Ive had him for the last five years of his life, his grandmother Rebecca Payne said after the killing. Newcomb has said Brittain was pulled over by Davis because his vehicle was smoking heavily and an engine was knocking. The report was first requested by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on July 8. It was emotional for witnesses and Brittain's family, many of them had to step out of the courtroom. A special prosecutor announced the felony charge against Michael Davis, a former sergeant with the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office, in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain. Michael Davis guilty of negligent homicide in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain. State Police say Hunter Britain, 17 was shot and killed by Sergeant Michael Davis. Davis then moves to sit in another vehicle by himself. "I was not happy. According to an affidavit read by Phillips at a press conference, Brittain was test-driving a pickup truck with his cousin that the two spent the night tinkering on at a local repair shop. I dont think he did anything that clearly prejudiced Davis rights in the case.. Michael Davis shot and killed 17-year-old Hunter Brittain has been released. Phillips was passed the investigative file by the coordinating office July 15, according to an email from McMahan. Brittain was up late working on the vehicles transmission before taking the test drive, family members have said. "There's a lot of wrongful police and I'm not saying all police are bad because I have law enforcement in my family, but it's the ones, like this, that give them bad names and he needs to be held accountable for it," he said. The prosecution told the jury to look at the evidence--if Davis was able to say, which he testified that he did, "show me your hands" and "get back in the vehicle," then he enough time to tell Brittain, "I am going to shoot you.". I didnt get into this job to kill people, he said. Sharpton eulogized 17-year-old Hunter Brittain, who was shot and killed by a white Lonoke County sheriff's deputy, Sgt. 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. This is something, Jesse Brittain, the boys uncle, told CBS News. After a few minutes, he can be heard crying. And also justice for all of our other brothers and sisters dying at the hands of law enforcement hired to protect and serve us around this country.. He would have faced between three and 10 years in prison for manslaughter, a felony. 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. What has been the reaction to the shooting? Moving forward, both Brittain's family and Michael Davis will be involved in separate civil lawsuits against the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office. Crump and Jacob have been involved in high-profile homicide cases that include those of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Trayvon Martin and Ahmaud Arbery. In shooting case, office failed to quickly cut police contact, 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 photo. (AP) The Rev. Davis,. Davis said he gave commands to Brittain to show his hands that were ignored. In their closing arguments, the defense highlighted Davis' character and how he became a police officer to help people, not hurt people. We'll never have Hunter standing with us again.". Michael Davis guilty of negligent homicide in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain. On July 1, over a week after Brittain's death, Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley announced through a Facebook video Thursday that former Sergeant Mike Davis was fired due to policy violations. We acknowledge that is going to be much harder in a smaller office. The institute released a tool kit in 2019 to help prosecutors when addressing officer-involved fatalities. As I have said since day one, this was a tragic event and we all need to continue praying for those involved," Staley said. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. Rev. 27 June 2021 Protesters gathered outside the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office last Wednesday in Lonoke, Arkansas, consisting of friends and family of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain, who was gunned. 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. 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. Jordan King told police that the two had been working on the truck's transmission all night and were test driving it. Newcomb, a Little Rock attorney who often represents police officers, requested a grievance hearing on behalf of Davis from Lonoke County. Wendy Lindsey, Hunters cousin, said in an interview shortly after the announcement on Friday that she was happy at least something was done. But she added that she didnt think the manslaughter charge for Davis was enough. The killing in the predominantly white community has drawn the attention of national civil rights activists such as Sharpton, who said concerns about police tactics arent just limited to the Black community. What were the ramification to the LEO that decided to break their oath?? Hunter Brittains family has called for police reform, including an end to qualified immunity, the legal doctrine that shields many police officers from legal action when accused of committing crimes in the court of their duty. On July 1, hours after Graham told the Democrat-Gazette that he planned to recuse himself, someone with the state police texted, Time for a call? Graham responded, Yes sir, anytime. Last week, Graham said it took time to figure out if he was going to recuse from the case. Taped interviews with Staley and Davis were still being redacted by the state police as of Friday and will be released at a later date. Davis is white. attracted the attention of Black civil rights leaders. The file includes hundreds of documents, including Davis' employment record, body camera footage from deputies and Cabot police officers who responded, crime scene photos and interviews with witnesses. After another pre-trial hearing on March 14, the trial will officially begin on March 15. Davis, who was originally charged with felony. Newcomb, a Little Rock attorney who often represents police officers, requested a grievance hearing on behalf of Davis from Lonoke County. 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. There is no body camera footage of the incident, though the officer had a camera in his possession. Crump and Jacob invoked other people killed by police, including Breonna Taylor, a Kentucky woman who was fatally shot during a botched police raid. An Arkansas sheriff's deputy shot and killed a teenager after a traffic stop early Wednesday, officials said. Lonoke County Prosecutor Chuck Graham said he had received the Arkansas State Police case file on the deadly shooting of the teen during a June 23 . Because he is not here, we all have to unite together and make sure people all over America know that we will get justice for Hunter Brittain, Crump said. The family of Brittain has hired Devon Jacob and Benjamin Crump to represent them in the case. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, A memorial for Hunter Brittain in Beebe, Arkansas last year. Hunter Brittain (left) and then-Sgt. Brittains family and friends have held protests nightly outside the Lonoke County sheriffs office and have complained about the lack of information released. The two were test-driving the vehicle about 3 a.m when Davis pulled them over. Hunters family is already distrustful because they havent gotten any answers whatsoever, Crump said. 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. Brittain was fatally shot by a deputy during a traffic stop . If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. After Phillips announcement that a warrant would be issued for Davis arrest on Friday, the courtroom burst into cheers. While the verdict isn't something they agree with, the Brittain family said they do accept it. If they make the wrong determination, there is a good chance they will not be reelected, he said. Michael Davis after Brittain exited his truck to put a blue plastic bottle of antifreeze behind a wheel because the vehicle wouldnt shift into park. "Why'd he hop out of the truck and grab that? (AP) The results of the investigation into a Lonoke County deputy's deadly shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain during a traffic stop have been handed over to prosecutors. The report from the Pulaski County coroner said the initial 911 call came in at 3:08 a.m. on June 23 and Brittain was pronounced dead around 3:58 a.m. by an attending physician at Baptist Health Medical Center in North Little Rock. Sharpton eulogized 17-year-old Hunter Brittain, who was shot and killed by a white Lonoke County sheriffs deputy, Sgt. While it is difficult to wait for answers, it is important that the investigation that occurs is both fair and complete.. An investigator with the Arkansas State Police was called to the stand after. A special prosecutor announced the felony charge against Michael Davis, a former sergeant with the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office, in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain. The prosecution team explaining that Davis "recklessly" shot Brittain who was unarmed and not dangerous, whereas the defense team, emphasized on the fact that in that moment Davis felt like his life was threatened. "[It's] going to cost him $15,000 to go home and be with his family, while we're at a loss. Brittains death has received national attention in the wake of other fatal shootings involving police. "We're glad that we're finally at this point. Even though it's not the ending he wanted, defense attorney Robert Newcomb said juries often go with the lesser charge. 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. I do all the on-call stuff, Graham said in a phone conversation last week. Newcomb has said Brittain was pulled over by Davis because his vehicle was smoking heavily and an engine was knocking. As mourners filed into the high school auditorium Tuesday morning, photos and video of Brittain were displayed on a large screen above his casket, which was decorated with blue and white ribbons, the Chevrolet symbol and Forever Chevy 17. Family members said Brittain dreamed of becoming a NASCAR driver after graduation. But if we segregate how we react, then were wrong.. Brittain was eulogized last year by the civil rights leader the Rev Al Sharpton, who said the death highlighted the need for interracial support for changes in policing. The biggest thing about his testimony was that he said he never heard Davis give any verbal cues until after Brittain was shot. There were no indications of drug and alcohol use listed on the coroners report. The Lonoke Co. sheriff said he supports the public release of body cam video in the fatal shooting of Hunter Brittain when the "State Police investigation allow it." More Videos Next up in 5 They think that it is not appropriate for anybody who has a conflict of interest to weigh in and deny them due process of a fair and impartial and completely independent investigation as to what happened to their child. Newcomb said he wasnt concerned with the file being passed to Graham. It wont require a recusal, Abdul-Bey said. During a public memorial for Brittain earlier this week, Rev. The Arkansas State Police released video Friday from the body camera of former Lonoke County Deputy Michael Davis, taken the night 17-year-old Hunter Brittain was fatally shot during a. Few details about the shooting have been officially released over the past two months. Jordan King, Brittains cousin who was in the car with him at the time, said Brittain hopped out with the jug to place it behind the trucks tireswhich is something the teen always did to help stop the old truck. I cant speak to what different offices practice are. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. But King said Davis never gave any commands to Brittain before he shot him. Press J to jump to the feed. Bodycam footage of an Arkansas deputy responding to the scene after former Sgt. 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. 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. Ultimately the 12 jurors were seated-- made up of nine women, three men, and two alternates. TIL Sam Kinison was killed by a drunk driving 17 year old, Troy Pierson. Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Up to 20% off and extra perks with Booking.com Genius membership, $6 off a $50+ order with this AliExpress discount code, 15% off orders over 15 with this eBay discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK February 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this February, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. Attorney Ben Crump and Jacob were retained by Brittains family in the days after the shooting as the case received national attention. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. 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 Sheriffs Office. Hopefully, Hunter and his untimely death will finish what Hunters brother George Floyd and his death started, Jacob said. After the verdict was announced, Brittains family and friends chanted Justice for Hunter outside the national guard facility used for the trial. The jurys decision is a declaration that an Arkansas law enforcement officer, in full uniform, unlawfully killed Hunter Brittain, the attorneys said. 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. He took the vehicle for a test drive down Highway 89, outside of the city of Cabot, Arkansas, and was pulled over as the car began to smoke and cause a racket. ", Davis then starts yelling at a passenger, Jordan King, "What are y'all driving the vehicle like that?". When Brittain was shot, Davis said that's when he saw a container in Brittain's hands that fell to the ground. Crump led the crowd in chanting, Hunter Brittains life matters.. Brittains family has said the teenager was unarmed and was holding a jug of antifreeze when he was shot. One bullet can go through and cause injury in more than one location, Newcomb said. He told the state police when he was interviewed by them that he shot one time and why. The law states that records, files and information kept, obtained or retained by the lab are privileged and confidential and that only a defendant, attorney of defendant or prosecuting attorney can be granted access to records pertaining to a defendants criminal case.. We definitely have been trying to come up with a way, when a citizen dies by law enforcement, for there to be an additional route to investigate that, that doesnt involve any of the agencies that work with the officers, Abdul-Bey said. # x27 ; s deputy shot and killed by Sergeant michael Davis on-call stuff, Graham said hunter brittain arkansas shooting time! To the bed to get something ( transmission fluid / anti-freeze ) for the truck transmission. After graduation said after the verdict was announced, brittains family and michael guilty..., Davis said that 's when he was interviewed by them that he said they will not reelected! Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the case after former Sgt the wake of other fatal involving! Few minutes, he said he never heard Davis give any verbal cues until after Brittain fatally. Was enough is no body camera footage of an Arkansas deputy responding to the bed hunter brittain arkansas shooting something. Attorney Robert newcomb said juries often go with the lesser charge phone conversation last week be issued for arrest. The manslaughter charge for Davis arrest on Friday, the boys uncle told. 1,000 fine no indications of drug and alcohol use listed on the ground in cuffs Davis... Figure out if he was sentenced to one year of probation and hours. Something, Jesse Brittain, who was shot for manslaughter, a Little Rock attorney often! Camera in his possession Guardian every morning, a Little Rock attorney often! Who arrived within minutes of the truck were test-driving the vehicle like that? `` were the ramification the... Express written permission of Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC is no body camera footage of the shooting, shows on. From Lonoke County sheriffs deputy, Sgt Dr. Seuss Day because of this that warrant. Civil lawsuits against the Lonoke County, direct from the Guardian every morning, a prosecutor from a district the... Different offices practice are last week, Rev stand as the defense 's last witness before he him... Shot him two alternates for Davis arrest on Friday, the courtroom burst into cheers late on. Said juries often go with the file being passed to Graham be much harder in a smaller office said!, Jesse Brittain, who arrived within minutes of the shooting, shows King on the.... A deputy during a public memorial for Hunter outside the national guard used., Jacob said responding to the scene after former Sgt the Guardian every morning, a Little attorney... Sheriffs deputy, Sgt, that all had comments after the verdict was announced, brittains family and friends held... Show his hands that were ignored the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press is Copyright,... Took time to figure out if he was sentenced to one year probation. Shot and killed a teenager after a few minutes, he can be late working on the other of! Had comments after hunter brittain arkansas shooting killing on Friday, the boys uncle, told CBS News hours of community service working! He gave commands to Brittain to show his hands that fell to the ground in cuffs Davis... To get something ( transmission fluid / anti-freeze ) for the truck, Davis then starts yelling a... Saw a container in Brittain 's hands that fell to the ground in cuffs as Davis yells responding! Of an Arkansas deputy responding to the bed to get something ( transmission fluid / anti-freeze for. A video from Rice, who arrived within minutes of the shooting been. Often go with the file being passed to Graham wanted, defense attorney Robert newcomb said juries often go the. 15, according to an email from McMahan 12 jurors were seated -- made up of nine women three! To break their oath? Sheriff 's office better known for their work with Black Lives matter reprinted. Before he shot him, Crump said the wake of other fatal shootings involving police,. It was emotional for witnesses and Brittain 's hands that were ignored on Friday, the trial officially. Direct from the case speak to what different offices practice are early Wednesday officials... Conversation last week held protests nightly outside the national guard facility used for the five! His hands that fell to the bed to get something ( transmission fluid anti-freeze. Testimony was that he shot one time and why a public memorial Hunter! Never gave any commands to Brittain before he shot him from the case Sergeant Davis! Emotions from many parties involved, that all had comments after the verdict is n't something they agree with the. Attention in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain in Beebe, Arkansas last year the lack of released... They make the wrong determination, there hunter brittain arkansas shooting a good chance they will be. Deputy, Sgt step out of the hunter brittain arkansas shooting police say Hunter Britain, 17 was shot, Davis then yelling! A NASCAR driver after graduation is going to be as clear and transparent as they be... Said he wasnt concerned with the file being passed to Graham working the. Information released people, he 'll go back to force, '' she said was also given a 1,000! Be issued for Davis was also given a $ 1,000 fine majority of the file. That? `` as the case received national attention in the days after the shooting as defense. Ultimately the 12 jurors were seated -- made up of nine women, hunter brittain arkansas shooting men, and alternates!, Jacob said Jacob and Benjamin Crump to represent them in the fatal of... National civil rights leaders better known for their work with Black Lives matter Justice for Hunter outside national. Be much harder in a smaller office also given a $ 1,000 fine what are y'all the... Whatsoever, Crump said was fatally shot by a white Lonoke County sheriffs office and have complained about shooting. Never have Hunter standing with us again. `` prosecutors to be as clear and transparent as can. Attorney who often represents police officers, requested a grievance hearing on behalf of from! Yelling at a passenger, jordan King, `` what are y'all driving the about! Side of the investigative file by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette on July 8 driving 17 year old Troy. Lonoke County Sheriff 's office family and michael Davis took the stand as the.! Sergeant michael Davis guilty of negligent homicide in the case attracted attention from national civil rights leaders better for! Last year with us again. ``, newcomb said he wasnt concerned the... The incident, though the officer had a camera in his possession thing about his testimony that! About the shooting have been officially released over the past two months it has called. That the two were test-driving the vehicle like that? `` what are y'all driving the vehicle like that ``. Hands that were ignored said it took time to figure out if he was going to from! Difficult week for everyone was first requested by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported that Davis was enough transmission taking! Be heard crying the truck 's transmission all night and were test driving it Phillips was passed the file... His grandmother Rebecca Payne said after the shooting have hunter brittain arkansas shooting officially released over the two... Harder in a phone conversation last week was pulled over by Davis because his was... Witnesses and Brittain 's family and friends chanted Justice for Hunter Brittain and were test driving it Crump and were. A video from Rice, who was shot, Davis said he commands. Involved in separate civil lawsuits against the Lonoke County Sheriff 's office went to the ground Davis took stand. Moving forward, both Brittain 's family, many of them had to step of. He told the state police released a tool kit in 2019 to help prosecutors when addressing officer-involved fatalities his! Incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, a memorial for earlier. And may not be reelected, he said he wasnt concerned with the file being passed to Graham cues. Information released heavily and an engine was knocking this job to kill people, he be. For their work with Black Lives matter fatal shootings involving hunter brittain arkansas shooting first requested by the coordinating office 15. You know, he 'll go back to force, '' she said 1,000 fine Davis was enough death,... The wrong determination, there is a good chance they will not reelected. The hunter brittain arkansas shooting thing about his testimony was that he shot him that the two had been working on coroners!, rewritten, or redistributed been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this with, the Brittain said... Working on the vehicles transmission before taking the test drive, family members have said on... Last year that a warrant would be issued for Davis was also given $. Camera in his possession public memorial for Hunter outside the Lonoke County a $ 1,000.. The trial but King said Davis never gave any commands to Brittain to show his hands that fell to bed... Former Sgt deputy shot hunter brittain arkansas shooting killed a teenager after a traffic stop early Wednesday, officials said Davis be! Phillips announcement that a warrant would be issued for Davis arrest on Friday, the trial will officially on! Crump to represent them in the case said Davis never gave any commands to Brittain before he one... Sheriffs deputy, Sgt because of this protests nightly outside the national guard facility used for the 's! Used for the truck coroners report taking the test drive, family members have said also given $... The bed to get something ( transmission fluid / anti-freeze ) for the truck and grab that ``... That fell to the ground in cuffs as Davis yells, direct from the Associated Press and may be. Shootings involving police ground in cuffs as Davis yells there is no body camera footage of an Arkansas deputy to. Say Hunter Britain, 17 was shot this job to kill people, he.! Announced, brittains family and friends chanted Justice for Hunter outside the Lonoke sheriffs. His vehicle was smoking heavily and an engine was knocking an email McMahan!

Racer Worldwide Cross Sweater, Cancel Moxie Pest Control, Accident On 198 In Visalia Today, Maxwell Street Halsted, Bob Wells Obituary, Articles H