Former Atlanta Police Officer Garrett Rolfe has been charged with felony murder and ten other crimes in the shooting of Rayshard Brooks. Joining Rolfe, former Atlanta Police Officer, Devin Brosnan, who was also at the scene, was charged with three criminal counts. These charges come just days after Ericka Shields stepped down from her position as Atlanta Police Chief.
In addition to announcing charges, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard shared new details about the shooting. Howard notified media that Rolfe kicked Brooks as he laid on the ground of the Wendy’s parking lot where he was killed. After kicking Brooks, Rolfe reportedly said, “I got him.”
BREAKING: Fulton County DA on actions of officers after Rayshard Brooks was shot: "Officer Rolfe actually kicked Mr. Brooks while he laid on the ground, while he was there fighting for his life." A second officer stood on Brooks' shoulders, the DA says. https://t.co/VR0y9oxKzu pic.twitter.com/XPTtOFgVHG
— ABC News (@ABC) June 17, 2020
“I was very hurt. … I felt everything that he felt just by hearing what he went through. And it hurt. It hurt really bad,” Brooks’ widow, Tomika Miller, told reporters.
Shortly after the new details were shared with the public, Rolfe’s legal representation, LoRusso Law Firm, issued a statement.
“Fearing for his safety, and the safety of the civilians around him, Officer Rolfe dropped his taser and fired his service weapon at the only portion of Mr. Brooks that presented to him — Mr. Brooks’ back,” Lo Russo Law Firm stated.
LoRusso Law Firm also claims Rolfe “heard a gunshot and saw a flash in front of him.”
Warrants have been issued for both Rolfe and Brosnan. If convicted, Rolfe faces the death penalty.
