Minneapolis – Ex-cop convicted after killing an African American

The jury in the case of the killing of African American Daunte Wright found ex-cop Kimberly Ann Potter guilty of manslaughter. The 49-year-old is guilty of both counts, but the sentence is not yet known. The man’s death had upset the United States and sparked massive protests in the country.

Before pronouncing the verdict, the judge had denied a motion from Wright’s defense. This demanded that the perpetrator be released until the sentence was pronounced.

The ex-officer shot the 20-year-old Wright north of Minneapolis in April during a police operation. After the incident, the woman said that instead of using a stun gun (taser), she mistakenly pulled her pistol and submitted her resignation. Wright died just a few miles from the Minneapolis courtroom where the trial of George Floyd was taking place. Floyd also lost his life in a police operation.

Potter testified that she accidentally shot Wright. It was not a crime but a regrettable mistake, so her lawyer. Wright tried to escape the officers when they tried to handcuff him to execute an arrest warrant for gun possession. However, these arguments did not convince the jury.

Prosecutors argued that Potter was negligent and reckless. Wright’s death was avoidable. The defendant burst into tears during the trial and apologized. Outwardly, she took the verdict calmly, according to the DPA news agency.

The jury found the ex-policewoman guilty of first and second degree manslaughter. First degree manslaughter can mean up to 15 years in prison in the United States. However, the Minnesota judiciary adheres to guidelines, which typically provide lower sentences.