Four Louisiana cops have been cleared of their charges in the death of a Black man arrested in April 2020, ABC News reports.
On Friday (June 17), Caddo District Court Judge Chris Victory acquitted Brian Ross, James LeClare, Treona McCarter, and D’Marea Johnson. The four officers no longer face negligent homicide charges in the death of Tommie McGlothen.
McGlothen died while in police custody after fighting with cops who were accused of using excessive force to detain him. He had a history of mental health issues and had two run-ins with police prior to dying in custody.
Following the incident, Ross, LeClare, McCarter, and Johnson all denied a jury trial.
Victory announced the acquittal after hearing prosecutors present their case against the officers and without hearing defense testimony, per defense lawyers' request.
During the trial, prosecutors said that they took the case to two grand juries, and the second one indicted the four Louisiana cops.
However, defense lawyers noted in a motion for direct acquittal that Louisiana State Police and the Justice Department reviewed the case and declined to refer it to prosecutors.
President of the Shreveport Police Officers Association Michael Carter said following the trial, “Our faith in the judicial system has been renewed."
Carter added, “We have watched the testimony each day from prosecution’s witnesses, including expert witnesses, which has confirmed the complete lack of factual evidence against our members."
Despite Victory's ruling, McGlothen’s family is moving forward with a wrongful death lawsuit against the city, according to their attorney.
LaQuita McGlothen, McGlothen's sister, said she called police on the day of her brother's death and tried to get him committed due to his mental problems.
“Not only have I lost my brother, but I’ve lost my sense of community. Those that are placed in a position to serve and protect, I no longer have trust in them at all,” LaQuita said of the acquittal.
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