Was this excessive force? Of course!
Did the cop over react? Of course!
Should the city and cop be sued in civil court for Shavers death? Yes!
I don't believe he should have been tried for the crimes he was tried for based on the following:
"Second Degree Murder: Definition
Second-degree murder is ordinarily defined as: 1) an intentional killing that is not premeditated or planned, nor committed in a reasonable "heat of passion"; or 2) a killing caused by dangerous conduct and the offender's obvious lack of concern for human life. Second-degree murder may best be viewed as the middle ground between first-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter.
http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal...-overview.html
Involuntary Manslaughter Overview
Involuntary manslaughter usually refers to an unintentional killing that results from recklessness or criminal negligence, or from an unlawful act that is a misdemeanor or low-level felony (such as a DUI). The usual distinction from voluntary manslaughter is that involuntary manslaughter (sometimes called "criminally negligent homicide") is a crime in which the victim's death is unintended.
http://criminal.findlaw.com/criminal-charges/involuntary-manslaughter-overview.html"
Yes I believe the cop should be held accountable but the jury decided right or wrong to find him not guilty. End of story.
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