On August 22nd charges against the two former Louisville police officers who are accused of being responsible for Breonna Taylor’s death were dropped and her boyfriend was ruled responsible for her death.
On the night of the raid the two former officers, Meany and Jaynes, broke down the front door of Taylor with an alleged drug warrant. This led Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, to fire a shot at the officers injuring one in the leg.
Walker previously received charges for attempted murder of a police officer, but those were dropped due to Walker being unaware of the intruders being officers.
U.S. District Judge Charles Simpson, according to CBS News, claimed “There is no direct link between the warrantless entry and Taylor’s death.” Ultimately decided that Walker’s actions were the direct cause of Taylor’s death and the charges against Meany and James were dropped.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE OFFICERS
The officers previously charged with the murder of Breonna Taylor still face other charges that may have them sentenced to up to 40 years in prison.
Former officer Meany is being charged with falsifying statements made to federal investigators which holds up to 5 years in Jail. Former officer Jaynes faces the falsification of records charge, including witness tampering. He is facing up to 40 years.
Facing life is Brett Hankison who was a detective for the LMPD. He is facing trial in October for using, according to CNN, “unjustified force” when entering Taylor’s home.
WHO IS BREONNA TAYLOR
Taylor was born on June 5th, 1993 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The 26-year-old was a registered Emergency Medical Technician, full-time on the Emergency Response Team, and a practicing Registered Nurse.
WHAT HAPPENED IN 2020
In 2020, a drug ring investigation was conducted toward Taylor’s ex-boyfriend, Jamarcus Glover. Authorities obtained a search warrant that included Taylor’s address because they believed that drugs were being hidden at Taylor’s apartment.
On March 13th, 2020, Taylor and Walker were awakened by loud bangs at their door. The couple assumed that intruders were at their door, so Walker retrieved his gun out of fear and shot at the door.
On the other side of the door, the bullet hits an officer in his knee causing a shower of bullets to hit Taylor in her own home. She died instantly.
After the raid had taken place, there were no drugs found in the apartment.
On May 5th, 2020, Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mother, filed a wrongful death lawsuit which initiated the investigation behind Taylor’s death.
Spartan Echo 