She claimed to have confused her taser and her service weapon. A Minneapolis policewoman who killed a young African American has just been convicted of manslaughter. The sentence is expected to be set in February.
With our correspondent in New York, Loubna Anaki
When the verdict was announced, Kim Potter remained unmoved. Unanimously, after 3 days of deliberation, the jurors found her guilty. The former policewoman was being prosecuted for the murder, on April 11, of Daunte Wright, an African-American aged 20.
That day, she assures, it is by mistake that she shoots the young man as he tries to escape in his vehicle. She says she confused her gun and her taser.
This case, which occurred in the suburbs of Minneapolis, and in the midst of the trial of Derek Chauvin had revived the movement born of the death of George Floyd.
Serious negligence according to the prosecutor
49-year-old Kim Potter pleaded not guilty during her trial. She also chose to testify and then broke down in tears as she apologized.
For the prosecutor, it was above all gross negligence. That of a policewoman who nevertheless had 26 years of experience.
Upon reading the verdict, Thursday, Daunte Wright’s family said she was relieved. Outside the courthouse, dozens of people celebrated the decision.