Officer Garrett Rolfe faces 11 charges including felony murder in the killing of Rayshard Brooks in a Southwest Atlanta Wendy’s.
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard announced charges today against Officers Garrett Rolfe and Devin Brosnan, who killed Rayshard Brooks, 27, in a Wendy’s restaurant parking lot in Southwest Atlanta.The police officers were called when Brooks fell asleep at a drive-thru in the Wendy’s parking lot.
During the press conference held today at 3:30 p.m. EST June 17, Howard took attendees through what happened and revealed new information including the officers kicked and stood on the body of Mr. Brooks as, “he was fighting for his life.”
Officer Rolfe fired his handgun three times while he was chasing Mr. Brooks, who the authorities said had seized a Taser from an officer and fired it as he ran. Another officer on the scene, Devin Brosnan, who has been with the department for less than two years, did not intervene. Two of the shots connected with Mr. Brooks, killing him.
Howard noted the police officers had spoken with Brooks peacefully for 41 minutes, who was “slightly intoxicated” before the situation escalated. During that time, they patted the suspect down and knew he had no weapons.
Howard also noted Officer Brosnan, who is currently on administrative leave, has agreed to testify on behalf of the state against Officer Rolfe. Brosnan confirmed he actually stood on the shoulders of Mr. Brooks after Brookswas shot and disabled. Howard also stated Officer Rolfe kicked Mr. Brooks after he was shot and disabled, lying on the ground.
Howard stated the officers never told Mr. Brooks he was being arrested which contributed to the incident. The District Attorney also stated Officer Rolfe made the “excited utterance” of “Got him!” after shooting Mr. Brooks, who was running in the opposite direction, in the back. He also stated Mr. Rolfe knew the taser had been discharged twice meaning it was unable to be used again, posing no threat to Mr. Rolfe.
The eleven charges against Officer Rolfe are as follows:
Felony Murder
Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
Aggravated assault charge for shooting in the direction of Mr. Melvin Evans (occupant of a nearby car)
Aggravated assault charge against Mr. Michael Perkins (occupant in the backseat of a nearby car)
Seven violations of his oath of office (including failure to provide medical attention)
The three charges against Officer Brosnan’s:
Aggravated Assault (standing on Mr. Brooks’ body)
Two violations of oath (failure to render timely medical aid)
Both officers have been asked to surrender themselves to the state by 6 p.m. tomorrow.
They asked the court to issue Brosnan a bond of $50; They are recommending no bond for Officer Rolfe because of the severity of his act and following up the act of kicking Mr. Brooks.
Attorneys for Mr. Evans and Rayshard Brooks’ widow Tomika Miller,also spoke at the press conference.
This story is developing.
This story was written by Nsenga K. Burton, Ph.D., founder & editor-in-chief of The Burton Wire. Follow Nsenga or The Burton Wire on Twitter @Ntellectual or @TheBurtonWire.
