Update 10/2/19 5 PM ET:
- Dallas officer Amber Guyger has been sentenced to 10 years in state prison after facing a potential five to 99 years in prison. “Your sentence will begin today,” Judge Tammy Kemp said to Guyger.
- During the sentencing phase, prosecutors showed disparaging texts Guyger sent working as a police officer at a MLK Jr. Day march in which she stated “Just push them…or spray with your pepper spray in that general area.”
- Prosecutors also showed a Pinterest post she saved showing a Navy SEAL sniper with the words: “Kill first, die last. One shot, one kill. No luck, all skill.” Another social media post discussing Guyger owning a gun stated “I wear all black to remind you not mess with me because I’m already dressed for your funeral.”
Original Story 10/1/19:
Guyger was off-duty but in uniform when she shot Jean last year in a case that has become a flash point in Dallas over issues of police use of force and racial bias.
What We Know:
- Amber Guyger was found guilty of murder on Tuesday for fatally shooting her neighbor, Botham Jean, after thinking he was an intruder when she said she mistakenly entered his apartment. She faces a maximum of life in prison.
- The jury was tasked with deciding whether or not Guyger, 31, acted reasonably when she used deadly force, and if the prosecution had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that she intentionally killed Jean or if a lesser charge of manslaughter, which involves reckless conduct, was warranted.
- Deliberations began Monday afternoon after a week-long trial, which included the playing of the 911 call that Guyger made after shooting Jean and dramatic bodycam video from officers who responded to the scene. Prosecutors said Jean was watching television and eating ice cream in his living room when Guyger burst inside, likely scaring him. The trajectory of the bullet showed that he was either getting up from his couch or cowering when Guyger fired her service weapon, they added.
- Testifying in her own defense last week, Guyger told jurors that she was scared for her life when she entered an apartment that she thought was hers and the man inside began coming toward her and yelling, “Hey! Hey! Hey!””I never wanted to take an innocent person’s life. I’m so sorry,” Guyger said on the stand. “This is not about hate — it’s about being scared.”
- Guyger admitted to giving Jean minimal life-saving aid claiming that she only had one hand free while she called 911 in her frantic state of mind.
- The date of sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
This is a breaking news story. Stay tuned to Black News Alerts for update.
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