"I pulled the trigger of that gun, unintentionally, and I didn't even know it at the time," Weekley said in cout. When asked by prosecutors if knowing children were in the house would have forced police to change raid tactics, Davis responded: 'Probably not.'. Owens pleaded guilty in April 2011 to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 28 years in prison for Blake's slaying. Weekley says the MP5 only weighs six pounds and has almost no recoil, which is why he didn't initially know it had fired. The hunt for a murder suspect was being recorded by a crew from 'The First 48,' a police show on A&E Networks. Report your Judge, Lawyer or Government Office, Report your Judge, Attorney & Public Official Today. Do Not Sell My Personal Information. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Watch: Who Is The Officer Involved In Girl's Shooting? Prosecutors say that Owens then left the store. Detroit police officer who killed sleeping seven-year-old no longer facing charges. Two days later, the decedent's father filed law suits in both the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and the Wayne County . ID 321.) We hope this resolution will provide everyone involved a measure of closure," Garcia said in a statement. Hathaway then granted the prosecution's request for a stay on her decision and adjourned court until Monday. Howard received a sentence of two years' probation. Belinda Robinson for MailOnline Marksville, LA Moments ago, in one of the stiffest sentences ever handed down to a cop for killing an innocent person while on duty, one of the Marksville police officers who killed 6-year-old Jeremy Mardis was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Joseph Weekley charged with involuntary manslaughter in death of Aiyana Jones after he was 'grossly negligent' with handling gun during a raid Claims pulled gun trigger accidentally during. Je'Rean called his mom to come pick him up, but before she arrived, Owens returned and shot the teen. However, the juryand the judge did not buy it. Sally LaBorde, a passenger in the van Dixon was driving, also testified, saying she could clearly see Few pointing to Jeremy in the car, and the implication was unmistakable that he wanted Dixon to take care of his son, according to the Advocate. After prosecutors objected, the judge suspended her decision and ordered a recess until late morning. The jury composed of nine men and four women was seated Thursday in Wayne County Circuit Court and is expected to hear opening statements Monday morning in the trial of Joseph Weekley. If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566. Weekley was charged with involuntary manslaughter, but a judge dismissed that charge during a second trial in 2014. At the beginning of the case, jurors were asked to decide the officer's fate. During the trial, the prosecution sought to show that it was against procedure for Weekley to have his finger on the trigger of the gun and that not following his training caused the girl's death. "I would only pray that [the prosecutor] would only use the same zeal he used on my client, Charles Jones, in trying to get a conviction in [Weekley's] case," Weiss told HuffPost this week. JOSEPH WEEKLEY, INC. JOSEPH WEEKLEY, INC. is a California Stock Corporation - Ca - General filed on August 12, 2003. Was she not. Weekley, a member of an elite police unit, insists he accidentally pulled the trigger when Aiyana's grandmother grabbed his gun as officers burst through the door of her home. "There is absolutely no evidence, none, that's in the least bit credible, that Officer Weekley knowingly created a danger or, more importantly, intended to cause injury," Fishman said in court Friday. Weekley's fingerprints and DNA were also not found on the gun. Lexipol. Weekley was first through the door, and saw what he thought was an empty room with a man standing in the far doorway, he testified last year. A stun grenade was thrown through a window to confuse anyone inside. Weekley says he accidentally fired his gun during a struggle with Aiyana's grandmother. During the heartbreaking trial, Chris Few, Jeremy's dad, noted that Stafford and officer Norris Greenhouse Jr. immediately started firing with no warning when they stopped him on that fateful night. The jury foreman, a pastor said:This has not been an easy case.. Part of HuffPost Crime. Edward Carmack Email, Phone Number, Company, Colleagues, Competitors, Peers, Interests, Skills, Seniority Assistant Police Chief Ralph Godbee said Weekley was investigated after he was involved in a barricaded gunman shooting last summer. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Charges Dismissed Against Joseph Weekley, Cop Who Fatally Shot Sleeping 7-Year-Old Detroit police officer Joseph Weekley was spared a felony conviction on Tuesday over the killing of a 7-year-old girl after a jury deadlocked and a mistrial was declared, according to Detroit Free Press. Sleeping 7-year-old girl shot in head during no-knock police raid on wrong home, Charges Dismissed Against Joseph Weekley, Cop Who Fatally Shot Sleeping 7-Year-Old, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QeD1uUgmKw. He said Tuesday plans to protest the return of Weekley are in the works but not finalized. Wayne County Judge Cynthia Hathaway said Weekley's trial will start Monday, Sept. 15, 2014 as planned. Weekley was indicted in 2011 and charged with felony involuntary manslaughter, as well as the careless discharge of a firearm causing death. finds relevant news, identifies important training information, Brown's death, and the extreme tactics of police amid ensuing local protests, have sparked national conversations about police brutality and institutional racism in police forces across the country. Weekley shot and killed Aiyana Stanley-Jones on the night of May 16, 2010, as officers executed a search warrant on the duplex her family lived in. He claims he accidentally pulled the trigger when Aiyanas grandmother, Mertilla Jones, grabbed his gun. A Detroit police officer accused of manslaughter in the death of a 7-year-old girl will go on trial this week, as national attention remains focused on the militarization of U.S. law enforcement and police violence perpetrated against people of color. Recent protests and conversations among activists have linked Aiyana's death to the death of Michael Brown, the unarmed black teen who was killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, last month. Officer Joseph Weekley fatally shot the young girl in what he claimed was an alleged struggle with Jones's grandmother, Mertilla Jones, though she says she had just reached over to protect the. This is Weekley's . Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Meanwhile, Weekley released a statement shortly before the mistrial was declared. Officer Placed At Desk Job DETROIT - The SWAT team member whose gun, authorities say, killed 7-year-old Aiyana Jones Sunday during a raid at her home has been. Detroit Officer Joseph Weekley is charged with involuntary manslaughter. College No schools to show High school Went to Eastern Montgomery Photos See all photos Others Named Joseph Weekley Joey Weekley Joe Weekley "I knew it was my gun that went off because I was right there," Weekley said. Weekley, a member of an elite police unit, was the first officer through the door during a chaotic search for a murder suspect at her home. However, for his family, the outcome of Greenhouse's future trial and the fact that Stafford just got 40 years, are the only things that can provide even a semblance of comfort. The officers also claimed Few had a weapon, that was also a lie. We believe today's settlement is fair because it balances the needs of Aiyana's family and our responsibility for the city's finances. They were accompanied by a camera crew from a TV reality show called 'The First 48, but the midnight raid was recorded from the outside, not the inside where Aiyana was shot. A man rides a bicycle past the house where Aiyana Stanley-Jones was killed in Detroit, Monday, May 17, 2010. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Game credits for World of WarCraft: Battle for Azeroth (Windows) Weekley was a member of Detroits Special Response Team, which was sent to an east side neighbourhood to capture a suspect in the killing of a teenager outside a convenience store. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for law enforcement agencies and police departments worldwide. Similar feelings were shared when police officer Jeronimo Yanez was acquitted by a grand jury after he shot and killed Philando Castile, . Aiyana Mo'Nay Stanley-Jones (May 16, 2010): Jones, a seven-year-old Black girl, was shot in the head by Detroit officer Joseph Weekley during a raid on the apartment above hers. Davis, the officer who tossed the stun grenade, said the team was unaware children were inside. Weekley was first through the door, with a shield in one hand and a gun in the other. and Associated Press It said: No matter the outcome of any jury's decision, I have already been devastated and my life has been ruined irreparably by the events that occurred on May 16, 2010. During the last vote, the panel was split 7 to 5, with seven voting not guilty and five saying Weekley was guilty of the charge. The raid was being filmed for an episode of The First 48, and many believe the excessive tactics used were employed simply to create drama and excitement for the camera. A judge has dropped the felony charge leveled against Joseph Weekley, the Detroit police officer who in 2010 shot 7-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones to death. Spokeswoman Maria Miller said the prosecutors office still believes it has a strong case, which is why it decided to put Weekley on trial again. (John T. Greilick/Detroit News via AP, File) The story of Aiyana Stanley-Jones' death really starts with Je'Rean Blake, a 17-year-old who was killed less than two days earlier. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. 'They knew there were children in there. Allison Howard, producer of "The First 48," was charged with perjury and obstruction of justice for showing the tape from that night to a third party and hindering the police investigation. He said Detroit police are trained to push away anyone who tries to grab an officers gun or to move the weapon in a J shape to keep control of it. Dixon's testimony did confirm that Few was, in fact, attempting to wave her down and pointing at Jeremy. "He's heartsick, because he lost his daughter and he got charged with something he didn't do," Weiss said of Jones. The family's attorney, Geoffrey Fieger, said the settlement should allow the family, the city and Weekley to move on from the tragedy. Weekley is also charged with careless discharge of a weapon causing death, a misdemeanor that might not carry a jail sentence if he is convicted, according to the Detroit News. DETROIT The SWAT team member whose gun, authorities say, killed 7-year-old Aiyana Jones Sunday during a raid at her home has been identified, and details about his police record have been released. 19:48 GMT 11 Oct 2014, A trial against a Detroit police officer accused of shooting dead a seven-year-old girl ended in a mistrial after the jury became 'hopelessly deadlocked.'. The shield seemed unnecessary, Weekley testified. A pretrial conference to schedule a new set of hearings and a near jury selection is set for 9am July 25. Jose Guerena, 26, was a Marine Corps veteran who'd served two tours of duty in Iraq. Detroit Corporation Counsel Lawrence Garcia announced the settlement with the family of Aiyana Stanley-Jones four days before a civil trial was to begin. Ellis was unarmed. Associated Press Judge Hathaway told the jurors: 'These things happen., But the little girl's distraught uncle Londell Fields said: 'I don't understand how we can go through this again and have all this evidence brought forth and there not be a verdict either way. ', 'I don't think it's fair because he's a police officer that he gets to get away with this again. He will serve the sentences concurrently. Mark Diaz, union president of the Detroit Police Officers Association, said he was disappointed by the decision. She denies that she interfered in any way. "The police are not just going in looking to hurt people; that's not the case at all. Judge Hathaway declared a hung jury after less than three days of deliberations. Joseph Weekley, a member of an elite police unit, was the first officer through the door of her home during a chaotic search for a murder suspect. A fellow officer is said to have thrown a flash-bang grenade, and Weekley fired his gun shortly after, killing the 7-year-old girl, who was sleeping on the couch. Weiss is seeking a new trial for Jones, who is currently serving a prison sentence of 40 to 60 years. The only reason Few ran from Greenhouse that night was to catch up with Dixon so he could give her Jeremy in case he was arrested. City attorney Lawrence Garcia announced the settlement with the family of Aiyana Stanley-Jones on Thursday, April 4, 2019 four days before a civil trial was to begin. Officer Weekley, who is white, is still free. Belinda Robinson for MailOnline. Some video shot from the sidewalk was part of the evidence. All he had to do is follow his training and we wouldn't be here.'. He also could have been cleared of all charges. In a statement released yesterday, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said after two mistrials,. Information includes the borrower, lender, address or legal description of the property . After two mistrials, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office dismissed the remaining misdemeanor charge of careless discharge of a weapon causing death. Feast day: Mar 19 Officer Joseph Weekley had been charged in the death of Aiyana Stanley Jones. Judge Dismisses Manslaughter Charge For Cop Who Shot 7-Year-Old To Death. Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Weekley claims his MP5 sub-machine gun fired when Aiyana's grandmother, Mertila Jones, slammed his gun with her hand. Police said Weekley came into contact with Aiyana's grandmother, Mertilla Jones, when they busted through the door in the early hours of Sunday morning and his weapon accidentally fired. Officer Weekley was indicted on October 4, 2011 by a Detroit grand jury, charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Negligent Discharge of a Firearm in the tragic death of seven year old Alyania Stanley Jones in May 2010. It's then that Weekley says Mertila Jones bore down on him with her arm striking his gun. Copyright 2023 theguardian.com. The raid was recorded for a police reality TV show, The First 48, but there was no footage from inside the house. The family's attorney, Geoffrey Fieger, said the settlement should allow the family, the city and Weekley to move on from the tragedy. As the Associated Press reports,Ruth Wisher, a spokeswoman for Attorney General Jeff Landry's office, said Stafford was sentenced to 40 years for manslaughter and 15 years for attempted manslaughter. Sadly, for Jeremy Mardis, who will never see another Christmas or Birthday or throw the ball with his dad, the reason for the stop that night is irrelevant. FILE - In this June 18, 2013 file photo, Detroit police officer Joseph Weekley stands in Judge Cynthia Hathaway's courtroom at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice during his criminal trial in the 2010 killing of Aiyana Stanley-Jones during a police raid in Detroit. In 2013, at Weekley's first trial, his lawyer pointed to Jones' inconsistent accounts of the shooting and otherwise attacked her credibility, according to MLive. Mertilla Jones, who. Who Is DPD Officer Joseph Weekley? Chauncey Owens, whom police were searching for in the raid, was eventually arrested in a second-floor unit of the duplex where the girl and her family lived. Shooting: Detroit Police Officer Joseph Weekley testifies during his first trial in Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit, Michigan, his second trial was declared a mistrial on Friday Judge. Kelley joined the station on February 10, 1986, two months after graduating from the University of Florida. 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