WPSD 6 12/15/2022
Former Texas police officer found guilty of manslaughter for the shooting death of Atatiana Jefferson at her home
Former Forth Worth, Texas, police officer Aaron Dean was found guilty of manslaughter Thursday in the 2019 shooting of 28-year-old Atatiana Jefferson in her home.
Dean, who is White, faces up to 20 years in prison for the conviction. Jefferson was Black.
He had pleaded not guilty to murder, a charge which carried a possible sentence of five to 99 years. Jurors were instructed Wednesday to also consider the lesser included offense of manslaughter. The sentencing phase begins Friday, CNN affiliate WFAA reported.
Dean, in a gray suit, showed no emotion as the verdict was read.
Members of Jefferson's family were expressionless in the courtroom as the judge announced the verdict, WFAA reported. There was no immediate comment from family members.
"We're glad there was a guilty verdict. That's progress," the Rev. Crystal Bates, a minister and activist, told WFAA outside court.
"But there's so much work to be done... How he is sentenced is going to send a message not only to him but to other law enforcement to not be so trigger happy when you see somebody of color."
Defense attorneys had said Dean fired in self-defense, but prosecutors argued there was no evidence he saw a gun in the woman's hand before firing through a bedroom window.
Jefferson's 11-year-old nephew, who was with her at the time, and Dean's police partner — who responded with him to what they believed was a burglary — were the primary witnesses to the shooting and testified at trial. Dean took the stand and said he fired at Jefferson because she pointed a gun at him.
More:
https://www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/former-texas-police-officer-found-guilty-of-manslaughter-for-the-shooting-death-of-atatiana-jefferson/article_c3c83e8a-7cc6-11ed-9251-bbf865a84e48.html