I’m sure if you are someone who watches the news or are a keen social media user you will have noticed a trend of “trigger happy police.” You’ve heard all the names of the victims: Philando Castile, Mike Brown, Jamar Clark, and Tamir Rice, just to name a few.
This is an issue that has seemingly been around forever but is seeing more and more coverage through the media and social media.
One such case that has risen to prominence is that of Philando Castile. The Minnesota resident was driving in his car with his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, when he was stopped by the police. The police officer asked to see his license and ID. and then shot him when he attempted to retrieve these items.
The aftermath of this incident was filmed on Facebook Live as it unfolded and the video went viral. Unfortunately, Castile’s wounds were fatal. You can see the video below. Some readers might find the footage distressing.
The most recent news on this case is good for anybody wanting to see these unfair killings stop. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi has announced that the officer will be charged with second-degree manslaughter.
Jeronimo Yanez, the officer responsible, will also face further charges of dangerous discharge of a firearm.
There are some that might say Yanez is lucky to just be charged with Manslaughter. Yanez’ attorney has claimed that he believed that Castile was reaching for a fire arm. He claims his client’s actions were in self-defense. Cynics of this defense could question why he fired so many rounds, seven in total.
Many will claim that Yanez should be charged with murder. Unfortunately, that is quite a difficult charge to make stick. In order to be charged with murder it would need to be clear that Yanez had intentionally killed Castile and had a motive to do so. It would have to be proven that he was not clearly in fear for his own safety.
Part of the problem is that it has been revealed that Castile did in fact carry a weapon in his car. However Reynolds has stated that Castile was open about the firearm and informed Yanez that it was licensed.
Several similar cases including the killing of Jamar Clark, also from Minneapolis, have seen no charges pressed. In many ways this can be seen as breakthrough of sorts. Racial tensions are running high following the election of Donald Trump and a spree of white supremacist crimes. A win for equality seems very much needed at this point.
Featured image from YouTube video.
