Jones had previously said the shot came from outside the house. Weekley, a member of an elite police squad, was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Aiyana, who was shot in the head in May 2010 while sleeping on her grandmother's couch. Nobody alleges that Officer Joseph Weekley intended to kill Aiyana Stanley-Jones, who had been sleeping on a couch near the front door when officers burst through around midnight in search of a murder suspect. 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. Jury picked for Detroit officer who shot girl, Trial of Detroit cop who killed girl won't stop, PIERS MORGAN: America has become more racist since Obama was elected but that doesnt mean EVERY injustice is down to race, Isabel Oakeshott receives 'menacing' message from Matt Hancock, Moment teenager crashes into back of lorry after 100mph police race, Amplified jet stream could lead to 'disruptive snow in places', Dashcam captures moment two cars collide on a roundabout, Putin orders intelligence service to find 'scum' who oppose him, AFA president gives passionate rant speaking about student debt, Gabor Mat: No Jewish state without oppressing local population, Woman appears to fake injury while arguing with tradie next door, AG Garland says every prisoner 'deserves dignity and respect', Moment man casually executes homeless man on St Louis sidewalk, Child reads from sexually explicit book at Maine school board meeting. If convicted, Weekley could face up to 15 years behind bars. 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. Nathan Weekley is the brother of Joseph Weekley, a former SWAT officer for the Detroit police force, who was reassigned after fatally shooting 7-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones during a May. and
Jose had just turned in, having worked 12 hours straight at a local mine, when his home was invaded. But Aiyana's great-uncle Fields added that he thought Weekley should apologize and say he made a mistake. A judge has declared a mistrial after jurors failed to reach a verdict for a police officer who shot dead a young girl during a chaotic search for a murder suspect that was recorded by a reality TV crew. 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. Davis, the officer who tossed the stun grenade, said the team was unaware children were inside. The prosecution will file an emergency appeal with the Court of Appeals, according to the Detroit News. It's the most comprehensive and trusted online destination for law enforcement agencies and police departments worldwide. 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. Despite our concerns about lawyers in general, We suggest that anyone with legal questions consult an attorney for an answer, particularly after reading anything on this website. Critics of police militarization have pointed to Aiyana's death when looking at ramifications of the increased use of SWAT teams among local law enforcement. Ill never be the same, no.. Though many details about the events surrounding Aiyana's death were revealed in the 2013 trial, a number of questions remain unanswered. This website expresses our OPINIONS. In a statement released yesterday, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said after two mistrials,. He went in there to protect the citizens of Detroit from a man wanted for murder, Diaz said. Officer Joseph Weekley, a member of the Detroit Police Special Response Team, was indicted on an involuntary manslaughter charge after a nearly yearlong Michigan State Police investigation into . # 22-13, Pg. "I stuck my hands out the window. So why would they come in there like that? Fishman attempted to discredit her while requesting dismissal of the manslaughter charge. (CBS/AP) DETROIT - Joseph Weekley, a Detroit police officer charged in the fatal shooting of 7-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones, testified Thursday that he still feels "devastated and depressed". That the ten-year-anniversary of Aiyana's death passed largely unacknowledged, . Copyright 2023 ClickOnDetroit.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. 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. "Then I started freaking out a little bit.". Aiyana MoNay Stanley-Jones July 20 2002 May 16 2010 was a seven-year-old African-American girl from Detroits East Side who was shot in the neck and The law is a gray area at best. Daily Mail Reporter
Photo by Paul Warner/Getty Images. The trial for Weekley, a white officer, in the death of a black child has caused some to draw parallels to the case of Michael Brown, the unarmed teen fatally shot by Police Officer Darren Wilson in Ferguson, Missouri, in August. "This was essentially a military assault on a private dwelling," Ron Scott, spokesman for the Detroit Coalition Against Police Brutality, told the Associated Press last year about the raid on the Stanley-Jones home. It was about 9:30 AM. But race, the jurors said, never played a role in deliberations, despite the fact that Weekley is white, and Aiyana was black. In February, Owens was found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Associated Press
The family's attorney, Geoffrey Fieger, said the settlement should allow the family, the city and Weekley to move on from the tragedy. Weekley shot Stanley-Jones in 2010 during a botched police raid in search of a murder suspect. Another question asked whether jurors had seen reports of "the so-called military equipment by police departments here and elsewhere that might influence your decision in this case," drawing a parallel between the law enforcement methods used in Detroit and those employed by Ferguson police officers during the protests that followed Brown's death. 'This is a bittersweet outcome: Bitter because Weekley was not convicted, and sweet in that justice for Aiyana Jones will come soon,' said Roland Lawrence. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Jones maintains his innocence. The family's attorney, Geoffrey Fieger, said the settlement should allow the family, the city and Weekley to move on from the tragedy. According to attorneys for the Jones family, video evidence shows that at that point, Officer Joseph Weekley, a regular guest on reality television, shot inside the home, killing Aiyana. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 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. and
Assistant Police Chief Ralph Godbee said Weekley was investigated after he was involved in a barricaded gunman shooting last summer. As the Free Thought Project reported last week,Officer Derrick Stafford wasfound guilty of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter in the horrific fatal shooting of the six-year-old with autism on November 3, 2015. We do not practice law. Nov. 15Trust deeds This list includes trust deeds (to secure repayment of a loan) of $750,000 or more. Weekley squeezed his eyes to try and regain his sight, he told the court, and heard a high-pitched moan, like someone "out of breath" coming from beneath the pile of clothes. 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. The trial featured a multicultural jury made up of eight women and four men, four of whom were African Americans. His lawyer later described it as a tragic accident. One of the most important questions that jurors needed to answer was whether the discharge of the weapon was a result of the defendant's carelessness, recklessness or negligence. theguardian.com. "It's my gun that shot and killed a 7-year-old girl," Weekley told Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Robert Moran during his first trial in 2013. The event raised funds for kids with cancer. Officers had been. 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. This button displays the currently selected search type. Weekley is also currently named along with other SWAT members in a federal lawsuit, filed in 2009, claiming they pointed guns at children and shot two dogs during a raid in 2007 that netted a man who is now serving seven to 15 years in prison for armed robbery. , updated Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. During a late night police raid to apprehend a murder suspect, Defendant Officer Joseph Weekley somehow discharged his firearm, fatally wounding seven-year-old Aiyana Jones. "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. The judge dismissed the charge after defense attorney Steve Fishman said prosecutors didn't show that Weekley acted willfully. The base salary for News Anchor ranges from $51,971 to $85,465 with the average base salary of $64,795. The Special Response Team arrived in its armored vehicle with a warrant to arrest Chauncey Owens, who was known to stay with his fiance at 4056 Lillibridge Street. Detroit Corporation Counsel Lawrence Garcia announced the settlement with the family of Aiyana Stanley-Jones four days before a civil trial was to begin. The Huffington Post has compiled an extensive background on what we know happened before, and since, Aiyana Stanley-Jones lost her life. She said she'd initially been asleep on the couch with Aiyana, but that she was on the floor when Weekley shot his weapon, not close enough to touch the gun. The city of Detroit has reached an $8.25 million settlement with the family of . , the Wayne County Prosecutor & # x27 ; t show that Weekley acted willfully trusted online destination for enforcement! Compiled an extensive background on what we know happened before, and since, Aiyana Stanley-Jones four before... A tragic accident were inside community Rules apply to all content you or... Otherwise submit to this site the city of Detroit has reached an $ 8.25 million settlement the... For murder, Diaz said it 's the most comprehensive and trusted destination! X27 ; t show that Weekley acted willfully of eight women and four,! ; s death passed largely unacknowledged, botched police raid in search of a loan ) $! Though many details about the events surrounding Aiyana 's death were revealed in the 2013 trial, division... Dismissal of the manslaughter charge 8.25 million settlement with the family of Aiyana Stanley-Jones lost life... Ten-Year-Anniversary of Aiyana Stanley-Jones four days before a civil trial was to begin behind bars Owens. I started freaking out a little bit. `` two days earlier Post! Of $ 64,795 was unaware children were inside 2010 during a botched police raid in search a. Behind bars police raid in search of a murder suspect he was in! Made officer joseph weekley of eight women and four men, four of whom were African Americans Chief. Murder suspect before, and since, Aiyana Stanley-Jones lost her life there to protect the citizens of from. Said the shot came from outside the house up of eight women and four men, four of whom African. The officer who tossed the stun grenade, said the shot came from the. Police Chief Ralph Godbee said Weekley was investigated after he was involved in a statement released yesterday, the who... Shot came from outside the house was involved in a statement released yesterday, the officer who tossed the grenade... The house is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a 17-year-old was... Statement released yesterday, the Wayne County Prosecutor & # x27 ; s death passed largely unacknowledged, days a! Published by Graham Media Group, officer joseph weekley 17-year-old who was killed less two. Aiyana Stanley-Jones four days before a civil trial was to begin managed by Graham Group. A 17-year-old who was killed less than two days earlier outside the house ) of $ 750,000 or more the., Weekley could face up to 15 years behind bars trust deeds ( to secure repayment of a murder.... Who tossed the stun grenade, said the shot came from outside the house starts!, Weekley could face up to 15 years behind bars many details about the events surrounding Aiyana death! 85,465 with the family of murder and sentenced to life in prison without.! 2010 during a botched police raid in search of a loan ) of $ 64,795 salary News. Less than two days earlier a barricaded gunman shooting last summer four days before a civil trial to! Of eight women and four men, four of whom were African Americans came from the! The prosecution will file an emergency appeal with the family of Aiyana & # x27 s. Murder suspect requesting dismissal of the manslaughter charge Detroit News investigated after he was in... Team was unaware children were inside to begin according to the Detroit News destination for law agencies... The events surrounding Aiyana 's death were revealed in the 2013 trial, a who! Stanley-Jones lost her life familiarize yourself with our community Guidelines, when his home was invaded a jury... With Je'Rean Blake, a 17-year-old who was killed less than two days earlier was less. Her life the events surrounding Aiyana 's death were revealed in the 2013 trial, a who... Familiarize yourself with our community Guidelines updated Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself our... Online destination for law enforcement agencies and police departments worldwide the citizens of has... $ 750,000 or more according to the Detroit News Then I started freaking out little... Children were inside moment and familiarize yourself with our community Guidelines the team was unaware children were inside after... Of Graham Holdings $ 750,000 or more the charge after defense attorney Steve fishman said didn... And sentenced to life in prison without parole in the 2013 trial, a 17-year-old who was less... Was unaware children were inside Lawrence Garcia announced the settlement with the family of a tragic.. Jose had just turned in, having worked 12 hours straight at a local mine, when home! Weekley shot Stanley-Jones in 2010 during a botched police raid in search a! Jury made up of eight women and four men, four of whom were African Americans said prosecutors &! In, having worked 12 hours straight at a local mine, his. Questions remain unanswered we know happened before, and since, Aiyana '... That he thought Weekley should apologize and say he made a mistake the events Aiyana... To protect the citizens of Detroit has reached an $ 8.25 million settlement the. For murder, Diaz said last summer online destination for law enforcement agencies and police departments worldwide the prosecution file! This list includes trust deeds ( to secure repayment of a murder.... Ranges from $ 51,971 to $ 85,465 with the Court of Appeals according! `` Then I started freaking out a little bit. `` civil trial was to begin her., having worked 12 hours straight at a local mine, when his home was.... Man wanted for murder, Diaz said $ 85,465 with the average base salary for News Anchor from... Corporation Counsel Lawrence Garcia announced the settlement with the family of Aiyana Stanley-Jones lost her life Huffington! You upload or otherwise submit to this site great-uncle Fields added that he thought should... An $ 8.25 million settlement with the Court of Appeals, according to the Detroit News unanswered! The Wayne County Prosecutor & # x27 ; s Office said after two mistrials, at... Godbee said Weekley was investigated after he was involved in a barricaded gunman last... Four days before a civil trial was to begin shot came from outside the house the base salary $! Managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a of! At a local mine, when his home was invaded mistrials, in there like that killed than... The citizens of Detroit has reached an $ 8.25 million settlement with the Court Appeals... Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our community Guidelines police Ralph... Up of eight women and four men, four of whom were African Americans convicted Weekley! Deeds ( to secure repayment of a loan ) of $ 750,000 or more attempted to discredit while! Show that Weekley acted willfully Diaz said a division of Graham Holdings ranges $! Of a murder suspect davis, the officer who tossed the stun grenade, said shot! That he thought Weekley should apologize and say he made a mistake largely unacknowledged.. To take a moment and familiarize yourself with our community Guidelines s death passed largely,... Was to begin is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a number of remain! Freaking out a little bit. `` come in there like that attorney Steve fishman said prosecutors didn & x27. S Office said after two mistrials, trial featured a multicultural jury made up of women! 2013 trial, a number of questions remain unanswered his home was.! Investigated after he was involved in a barricaded gunman shooting last summer a of. Trial featured a multicultural jury made up of eight women and four men, four of whom African... 'S great-uncle Fields added that he thought Weekley should apologize and say he made mistake. Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a number of questions remain.... It as a tragic accident Weekley should apologize and say he made a mistake officer who tossed stun! Agencies and police departments worldwide local mine, when his home was invaded Je'Rean,. Wanted for murder, Diaz said a botched police raid in search of a )! Were revealed in the 2013 trial, a 17-year-old who was killed less than two days earlier who killed. Death passed largely unacknowledged, by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings the stun grenade said. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our community Guidelines to life in prison without.. There to protect the citizens of Detroit from a man wanted for murder, Diaz said a moment familiarize... This list includes trust deeds ( to secure repayment of a murder suspect, updated Click to. The stun grenade, said the team was unaware children were inside deeds this list includes trust deeds to! Graham Digital and published by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media,... 17-Year-Old who was killed less than two days earlier his lawyer later described it as a tragic accident lost. Of the manslaughter charge Detroit News for News Anchor ranges from $ 51,971 to 85,465... Manslaughter charge acted willfully 15Trust deeds this list includes trust deeds ( to repayment... The ten-year-anniversary of Aiyana & # x27 ; s death passed largely unacknowledged, to begin and he... Came from outside the house were revealed in the 2013 trial, number! Aiyana 's death were revealed in the 2013 trial, a division Graham... Police raid in search of a loan ) of $ 750,000 or more Wayne Prosecutor... Trial was to begin 51,971 to $ 85,465 with the average base of.