GoCubsGo wrote: ↑Fri Dec 17, 2021 3:40 pm
Vrede too wrote: ↑Fri Dec 17, 2021 3:13 pm
GoCubsGo wrote: ↑Fri Dec 17, 2021 2:44 pm
Watched a few minutes of the Kim Potter trial, she's on the stand and a crying remorseful mess.
Why is there even a trial? Seems like this should've been plea deal.
I heard that explained on TV. Everyone agrees that it was a mistake. The issue at hand is whether her use of any force was reckless. I can't describe it further, I wasn't paying that close attention.
Despite being pretty anti-cop I don't have an opinion. I'd have to listen to more of the testimony and discussion than I'm willing to invest.
The facts certainly aren't in question. I guess my point is how is society better served with her in prison? It was a tragic, stupid, panicky mistake, she's beside herself with remorse, her life is ruined, it's not going to bring the deceased back nor deter any future tragic mistakes.
I expect that national training and individual awareness will be enhanced. There may even be technological improvements that make distinguishing the difference between the tools easier. I'm sure there'd be a market for them.
GoCubsGo wrote: ↑Fri Dec 17, 2021 6:28 pm
O Really wrote: ↑Fri Dec 17, 2021 3:48 pm
I have no doubt it was an accident. I don't know if jail is appropriate, but in her position it was clearly negligent. I've never been in favor of the "opps" defence when somebody is shot dead.
Which kind of brings it full circle. Some punishment is neccessary, maybe house arrest with a heavy dose of community service? Whatever, seems like it could have been hashed out outside of the courtroom but I guess I'm not factoring in politics especially considering where and when this happened and the need for the appearance of the
DA to be "doing something."
Minnesota attorney general Keith Ellison.
Jury finds Kim Potter guilty in Daunte Wright traffic stop shooting
A jury has found former Brooklyn Center, Minn., Police Officer Kim Potter guilty of manslaughter in the death of Black motorist Daunte Wright, following a two-week trial and 27 hours of deliberation by the 12 jurors....
She was found guilty on a charge of first-degree manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine, according to Minnesota law, and also a second-degree charge, for causing someone’s death through culpable negligence, which has a maximum sentence of 10 years and a $20,000 fine.
The video sounds like they agreed to the latter charge Tues am, the former and more serious charge this am. Idk the legal difference between the two.
... For a conviction, the state had to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Potter handled her firearm “recklessly” and showed culpable negligence in her actions that resulted in Wright’s death.
Prosecutors focused on Potter’s training and that she should have known the difference in weight and feel of the weapons. She carried a gun on her duty belt her entire 26-year career and a Taser since 2005, according to court testimony. Potter retrained for use of both each year she was equipped with them, prosecutors said, adding there was no excuse for “weapons confusion.”
“Members of the jury, the defendant told you her sons will be home for the holidays. You know who won’t be home for the holidays ... is Daunte Wright,” said prosecuting attorney Erin Eldridge during closing arguments....
The jury was made up of nine white people, two Asian Americans and one Black person, according to how the jurors self-identified to the court. Six were men and six were women, and they ranged in age from their 20s to their 60s.
Hennepin County, Minnesota
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hennepin_ ... esota#2010
As of the 2010 Census ... The racial makeup of the county was 74.4% White, 11.8% Black or African American, 0.9% Native American, 6.2% Asian, 3.4% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. 6.7% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The jury was proportionally a bit shy on blacks, but did approximate the non-white population.
Judge Chu said sentencing will take place on Feb. 18, 2022, at 9 a.m. Until then, Potter will be in custody and held without bail.
Having not listened to the testimony, I can't argue with what 12 jurors unanimously chose. However, I am surprised in general given how difficult it is to convict a cop of anything. I have no opinion on the sentences, nor knowledge as to whether there are guidelines and/or mandatory minimums that apply.