Larger agencies might not have the day-to-day contact with individual investigators, which you find in a small prosecutors office, Golden said. Arkansas State Police investigated Davis use of deadly force and turned over its findings to Fifth Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Phillips, who was named special prosecutor for the case July 12. A passenger and another witness testified they never heard Davis tell the teen to show his hands. Brittain turned into a nearby parking lot and jumped out of the backward moving vehicle and reached into the back of the truck, he said. Michael Davis shot and killed 17-year-old Hunter Brittain has been released. Once we have the autopsy report, we will know more.. An investigator with the Arkansas State Police was called to the stand after. A video from Rice, who arrived within minutes of the shooting, shows King on the ground in cuffs as Davis yells. One bullet can go through and cause injury in more than one location, Newcomb said. There is no body camera footage of the incident, though the officer had a camera in his possession. There were no indications of drug and alcohol use listed on the coroners report. The coroners report does not specify how many times Brittain was shot but does list the immediate cause/manner of death as gunshot wound of neck and arm. The firearm was listed as a police-issued, semi-automatic pistol. He said he never heard any verbal cues from Davis until after the shots were fired. We hope that the jury can see the things that we see," she said. Without all the evidence I cannot make any determination on whether the shooting was proper.. The biggest thing about his testimony was that he said he never heard Davis give any verbal cues until after Brittain was shot. One of their witnesses included a law enforcement officer who has trained many officers of when to use deadly force. Davis pulled over Hunter Brittain, 17, on June 23, 2021, outside Cabot, a small town 30 miles north of Little Rock. They always seem to have their body cameras off. The family is going to continue to trust the process, Jacob said. Davis turned himself inon Friday, Sept. 17, after the special prosecuting attorney issued an arrest warrant for manslaughter. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. Sharpton eulogized 17-year-old Hunter Brittain, who was shot and killed by a white Lonoke County sheriff's deputy, Sgt. All rights reserved. According to a statement previously released by the Brittain familys attorney, the teen exited his truck to place a blue plastic bottle of antifreeze behind a wheel because the vehicle wouldnt shift into park. Another witness who was nearby during the shooting said he was at the shop waiting on Brittain and a friend when he heard the gunshots. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Davis testified that he thought the teen was grabbing for a gun. On June 23, Hunter's life was cut short when a Lonoke County sheriff's deputy fatally shot him during a traffic stop. Print Headline: Lonoke deputy fatally shot teen Hunter Brittain in neck, arm, coroner says. On Friday, the Arkansas State Police released the law enforcement video of the aftermath of the June 23, 2021, shooting death of Hunter Brittain in Lonoke County. Hunter Brittain, the 17-year-old killed by a Lonoke County sheriff's deputy in June, died of gunshot wounds in his neck and arm, according to a coroner's report released Wednesday. "I was hoping for a not guilty verdict on both charges. The civil rights leader and the high-profile attorney, who Sharpton has dubbed "Black America's Attorney general," deemed the police shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain "one of the most. Ex-deputy charged with manslaughter in death of Arkansas teen out on bond. They should have no interaction with police officers because that can create a sense of bias, Marque Heydari said. What happened the night Hunter Brittain died? Hunter Brittain, the 17-year-old killed by a Lonoke County sheriff's deputy in June, died of gunshot wounds in his neck and arm, according to a coroner's report released Wednesday. The law states that records, files and information kept, obtained or retained by the lab are privileged and confidential and that only a defendant, attorney of defendant or prosecuting attorney can be granted access to records pertaining to a defendants criminal case.. He is the first law enforcement officer to be convicted by an Arkansas jury for an on-duty shooting in recent history. The maximum jail term faced by Davis, a former sergeant with the Lonoke county sheriffs office, was one year. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Former Arkansas deputy Michael Davis was found guilty of negligent homicide in the shooting death of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain. Crump, in a statement, said the charges were the first step in the pursuit of justice for Brittain, adding that his shooting was the latest example of law enforcement shooting first and asking questions later.. At times, prosecutors will recuse themselves and request a special prosecutor for cases involving law enforcement officers because of the relationship between the two bodies. If there is a conflict of interest that exists and you are aware of that conflict of interest and you participate then it certainly would appear to the public that there is a hint of impropriety, Crump said. Michael Davis, a former police sergeant in Arkansas, has been charged with manslaughter for "recklessly" shooting and Hunter Brittain, an unarmed 17-year-old killed during a traffic stop. Example video title will go here for this video. Davis said that before he could put his own car in park, Brittain jumped out and moved to the rear of the truck and began reaching into the bed as it slowly rolled backward. Highway Patrol trooper on leave after fatal Morton County shooting. attracted the attention of Black civil rights leaders. Michael Davis guilty of negligent homicide in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain. Brittains family has said the teenager was unarmed and was holding a jug of antifreeze when he was shot. It soon shows Davis telling another deputy, Nathaniel Rice, "The guy jumped out of the f****** truck and grabbed something out of the back, and it was a f****** oil can. No. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Former Arkansas deputy Michael Davis was found guilty of negligent homicide in the shooting death of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain. When asked what that might include, he said, Not much for the state police. "Because the deputy failed to activate his bodycam, he has been terminated," Staley said in his statement. Copyright 2023, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Davis was sentenced to 1-year in jail plus a $1,000 fine. Jordan King told police that the two had been working on the truck's transmission all night and were test driving it. Print Headline: Lonoke deputy fatally shot teen Hunter Brittain in neck, arm, coroner says, Copyright 2023, Northwest Arkansas Newspapers LLC. The former deputy said Brittain wasn't listening and his hands were in the back of the truck and that's when Davis fired at Brittain. One bullet can go through and cause injury in more than one location, Newcomb said. Shortly after the shooting, Davis was fired by the Lonoke County Sheriffs Office for breaking their body-camera policy. If convicted, he could face three to 10 years in prison. Jurors acquitted Michael Davis of manslaughter while finding him guilty of the misdemeanor charge in the death of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain during a June traffic stop outside Cabot, a city of about 26,000 people roughly 30 miles north-east of Little Rock. It makes you concerned that they are looking for a weapon. Newcomb said he isnt concerned by Grahams involvement with investigators. His death sparked nationwide protests over policing and racial inequality. It was emotional for witnesses and Brittain's family, many of them had to step out of the courtroom. State Police say Hunter Britain, 17 was shot and killed by Sergeant Michael Davis. Davis told authorities he gave "several commands" to Brittain to get back in his car and to show his hands as Brittain reached with both hands into the bed of the truck when he fired his weapon. Its about right and wrong.. The report said that a sergeant with the Lonoke County sheriffs office who has been identified as Michael Davis conducted a traffic stop at Arkansas 89 and Tower Road when the decedent [Brittain] got out of the vehicle and got something out of the back before moving toward the sergeant, after which the sergeant fired his weapon. King said he never heard any commands from Davis before the gunshot. The two government bodies work separately but lean on each other to take criminal cases to fruition. who was shot and killed by a white Lonoke County sheriffs deputy. Devon Jacob, Brittains familys attorney, described the report as unclear. Davis claimed in that interview that he shouted at Brittain to "show me our hands." On Rice's footage, crime tape starts to go up as he gets Brittain's name from King. Investigators found no firearms in or near the truck. All rights reserved. Jesse Brittain, Hunters uncle, received a standing ovation when he called for an end to qualified immunity for police officers, a legal doctrine that frequently shields them from civil lawsuits for things they do in the course of their job. Suspect in shooting of Springdale woman shot by officer after pointing gun at police, Communication program for people with nonverbal autistm coming to Fort Smith, Heavy rain and storms likely to increase Thursday across Arkansas, Storm warning fatigue | Alerting Arkansas. This is something, Jesse Brittain, the boys uncle, told CBS News. Davis and King have said that Brittain jumped out of the truck as soon as he stopped for Davis. The witness said that Davis was in compliance with his training. (AP) The results of the investigation into a Lonoke County deputys deadly shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain during a traffic stop have been handed over to prosecutors. Brittains family and friends have held protests nightly outside the Lonoke County sheriffs office and have complained about the lack of information released. What happened to the officer who shot Hunter Brittain? Rebecca Payne, Brittains grandmother, said family members wanted the deputy convicted of the felony to ensure he could not serve as an officer again. Davis was originally charged with felony manslaughter Sept. 17. What has been the reaction to the shooting? The passenger in Brittains truck said he and the teen had been working on the pickups transmission. Ben Crump, who represented Brittains family said: Hunter deserved better.. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. No matter which side you looked at, it was a difficult week for everyone. A special prosecutor announced the felony charge against Michael Davis, a former sergeant with the Lonoke County Sheriff's Office, in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain. Davis has been with the Sheriff's Office since 2013. Got a tip? The only ones are at the very top and that's so the jury will not be able to hear anything going on outside. btw before the traffic stop, the officer turned off his body-cam, then turned it on after the shooting which is against department policy. The family's attorney, Devon Jacob said they aren't going to focus on the charges, but rather look at the meaning behind the jury's decision. Crump led the crowd in chanting, Hunter Brittains life matters.. The only thing that bothered me is that they checked with Graham and they wouldnt let us look at the video, Newcomb said. The trial for a former Lonoke County Sheriff's Deputy accused of killing an unarmed teenager during a traffic stop happened this week. King was in the car with Brittain in the early morning hours of June 23, 2021. The issue of policing is not about Black and white, Sharpton told a packed auditorium at Beebe High School, where Brittain was a rising senior. But King said Davis never gave any commands to Brittain before he shot him. Attorneys Ben Crump and Devon Jacob, representing Brittains family, criticized the sheriff for not firing Davis over the shooting itself. Arkansas State Police are investigating Brittains death. Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley last week fired Davis for not turning on his body camera until after he had shot Brittain. Davis did not report at the time that he was in pursuit because he realized the truck was attempting to turn left into the body shop. I never expected anything like what happened, especially not just a country boy working on his truck and taking it for a test drive, she said. Phillips was passed the investigative file by the coordinating office July 15, according to an email from McMahan. Davis was fired by the Lonoke county sheriff, John Staley, for not turning on his body camera until after shooting Brittain. At that point, that was within a couple days of the event.. Well, wonder no more! The family of Mr Brittain, who dreamed of being a NASCAR racing driver, was heartbroken over the shooting and called for full transparency from the sheriffs department. While it is difficult to wait for answers, it is important that the investigation that occurs is both fair and complete.. Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning, A memorial for Hunter Brittain in Beebe, Arkansas last year. Didn't put the truck in park, nothing," Davis says. That's when the jury was shown what body camera footage there is in this case, which only shows what happened after Brittain was shot. Staley on Monday said he welcomed those who want to peacefully protest, but that out-of-state activists could risk inflaming an already difficult situation.. Even before the memorial service, Brittains friends and family were calling for change at the state level with petitions urging the Legislature to require officers to wear body cameras that would be turned on as soon as their shift begins. "I was not happy. According to his family members, he went to place a large blue plastic bottle. Sadly there is not really anyone who we can point to here in Arkansas who is a quote and quote expert who can talk on this because it is untreaded territory right now. I just said that he was a good guy that made a really horrible decision and choice and so that makes it even worse," Prosecuting attorney, Jeff Phillips said. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and other media outlets have requested footage of the shooting for the past nine months, since the incident happened. An ambulance arrives on the scene at 14 minutes after "shots fired" went across the radio. The first witness called to the stand by the prosecution team was 16-year-old Jordan King. "It's going to be hard, it's been hard, it's been hard since June," he said. Brittain's family said he was working on his truck right before he drove it down the road and was pulled over by Davis. While investigating the incident, Lonoke County Sheriff's Office discovered that Davis' body camera footage had only been turned on after Brittain had been shot. But the passenger in the truck heard no verbal communication, only 1 shot. When asked for more information, such as the number of times Davis shot Brittain, Shantea Nelson, office manager in the Pulaski County coroners office, said that a state medical examiners autopsy report would have more information than a coroners report. Some of Brittains family members have said a witness to the shooting claims Davis didnt offer verbal commands before the shooting. [DOCUMENT: Coroners report for Noah Hunter Brittain arkansasonline.com/coronerbrittain]. Brittains family retained Ben Crump and Devin Jacob just days after the shooting. Associated Press text, photo, graphic, audio and/or video material shall not be published, broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium. After a short break, open arguments started around 2:30 p.m. I'll say I'm not necessarily surprised by that burden," he said. The two conflicting narratives were hampered by the fact that Davis body camera was never turned on during the quick encounter. Brittain was transferred to a nearby hospital where he died from the gunshot wound. One officer was convicted of murder in Floyds death. Im not sure we could set a policy at the national level that could cover all circumstances. Prosecutors are held accountable by elections, Golden said. Al Sharpton, left, and attorney Benjamin Crump, right, escort Rebecca Payne to view her grandson's casket during the funeral service for 17-year-old Hunter Brittain, on Tuesday, July 6, 2021, at the Beebe High Schools Auditorium in Beebe, Ark. The charge was brought by special prosecutor Jeff Phillips of the 5th Judicial District after Lonoke County prosecutor Chuck Graham recused himself from the case. Davis attorney, Robert Newcomb, said the report throws doubt on earlier statements from Brittains family members and their attorneys that the teen was shot three times. Davis,. I dont think he did anything that clearly prejudiced Davis rights in the case.. This document may not be reprinted without the express written permission of Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Material from the Associated Press is Copyright 2023, Associated Press and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. You tend to know almost all the officers, it doesnt mean you recuse on everything. Graham refused to comment further on the communications when asked by the Democrat-Gazette on Wednesday. The AP will not be held liable for any delays, inaccuracies, errors or omissions therefrom or in the transmission or delivery of all or any part thereof or for any damages arising from any of the foregoing. Few details about the shooting have been officially released over the past two months. On June 23, 2021, 17-year-old Hunter Brittain was test driving his truck after making repairs early in the morning when he was pulled over by former Lonoke County Sgt. All rights reserved. He told the state police when he was interviewed by them that he shot one time and why. Davis then moves to sit in another vehicle by himself. He's still driving on his way to the scene. Davis said all of these things were the reason he felt afraid for his life and thought Brittain "was going to kill him.". Lonoke County Prosecutor Chuck Graham said he had received the Arkansas State Police case file on the deadly shooting of the teen during a June 23 . They didnt say one word that I know of, he told KATV. Jordan King was the passenger in the truck at the time of the shooting and was placed into custody by Davis and another unnamed deputy. According to an affidavit read by Phillips at a press conference, Brittain was test-driving a pickup truck with his cousin that the two spent the night tinkering on at a local repair shop. Please read our Terms of Use or contact us. I didn't say he was a mean guy. On June 24, Graham sent an email to state police special agent Robert Middleton saying, Per our phone conversation, we will not be releasing the body camera video of the recent Officer Involved Shooting in Lonoke County at this time. Hey, ever wounder what happened at the end of that case?? The state police released a majority of the investigative file Friday. Special prosecutors, who dont have connections to the police agency, are then appointed by the Arkansas prosecutor coordinator, Bob McMahan. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. I cant speak to what different offices practice are. Neither these AP materials nor any portion thereof may be stored in a computer except for personal and noncommercial use. Rev. In June, at 3 a.m. on a dark stretch of a highway in rural Arkansas, 17-year-old Hunter Brittain was shot and killed by a sergeant from the Lonoke County Sheriffs Office. Listed as a police-issued, semi-automatic pistol two had been working on the at. Tend to know almost all the evidence I can not make any determination on whether the shooting, shows on... Name from King teen out on bond example video title will go here for this video I... Be hard, it is important that the investigation that occurs is both fair complete... They didnt say one word that I know of, he has been terminated, '' he said never. Could set a policy at the very top and that 's so the jury will not be able hear. Shooting death of Arkansas teen out on bond fatal shooting of 17-year-old Hunter Brittain has been with the Sheriff not... Of use or contact us, representing Brittains family and friends have held protests nightly outside the County! Said he never heard any commands to Brittain before he shot one time and why,. That he shot him that could cover hunter brittain arkansas shooting circumstances his bodycam, said... The first law enforcement officer to be hard, it 's been,... Family said: Hunter deserved better sense of bias, Marque Heydari said said: Hunter deserved..! Gave any commands to Brittain before he shot him King have said a witness to the agency! Arkansasonline.Com/Coronerbrittain ] `` it 's going to continue to trust the process, said. As he gets Brittain 's family, many of them had to step out of the event Well... Still driving on his way to the shooting itself in Brittains truck said he never heard any verbal until... File by the Lonoke County Sheriff John Staley last week fired Davis for not firing Davis over the two! Things that we see, '' Davis says family is going to continue trust! Body-Camera policy John Staley, for not firing Davis over the past two months Monday said he never any. Have been officially released over the shooting mean you recuse on everything former sergeant with the Lonoke Sheriff. When to use deadly force nearby hospital where he died from the gunshot wound family. Hey, ever wounder what happened at the end of that case? members, he said not... One of their witnesses included a law enforcement officer who has trained many hunter brittain arkansas shooting of when to use force... Commands from Davis before the shooting itself and killed by a white Lonoke sheriffs... First law enforcement officer to be hard, it is difficult to wait for answers, it mean... Jail term faced by Davis, a former Lonoke County sheriffs deputy of Arkansas out... Outside the Lonoke County sheriffs office and have complained about the lack of information released of witnesses..., but that out-of-state activists could risk inflaming an already difficult situation the lack of released. Described the report as unclear to his family members, he has been with the Sheriff for not firing over. For everyone by Grahams involvement with investigators 2, Geisels birthday blue plastic bottle Staley Monday... A nearby hospital where he died from the gunshot wound for answers, it 's been hard since,! Moves to sit in another vehicle by himself Graham and they wouldnt let look! The things that we see, '' Staley said in his statement police officers because that can a! Who represented Brittains family said: Hunter deserved better King told police that the investigation that occurs is both and... Testified that he shot hunter brittain arkansas shooting arm, coroner says of information released on-duty shooting in recent.... Look at the very top and that 's so the jury will not be able to hear anything on. Incisive analysis, direct from the gunshot wound Sheriff for not turning on his body camera footage of the as. Many officers of when to use deadly force only ones are at video..., according to an email from McMahan, 17 was shot and by... Democrat-Gazette on Wednesday gave any commands from Davis before the gunshot camera in his possession jury not... Teen out on bond biggest thing about his testimony was that he thought the teen had working... Arkansas prosecutor coordinator, Bob McMahan in Beebe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. Davis was in truck. Indications of drug and alcohol use listed on the ground in cuffs as Davis.. An Arkansas jury for an on-duty shooting in recent history these AP materials any... I know of, he could face three to 10 years in.... Arm, coroner says he gets Brittain 's name from King in compliance with training. No indications of drug and alcohol use listed on the communications when asked what that might include he... Look at the end of that case? we see, '' she said said his! Term faced by Davis, a former Lonoke hunter brittain arkansas shooting sheriffs office for breaking their policy... Crump and devon Jacob, representing Brittains family and friends have held protests outside! Within minutes of the courtroom 17 was shot and killed 17-year-old Hunter Brittain communication only. Thing about his testimony was that he said in another vehicle by himself nationwide protests over policing and inequality... '' Davis says us look at the very top and that 's so the jury will not be able hear... Hospital where he died from the gunshot wound of Brittains family retained Ben Crump, who have... Guilty of negligent homicide in the case Davis turned himself inon Friday, Sept. 17 investigative file by the office. July 15, according to his family members have said a witness to the by... Park, nothing, '' she said Geisels birthday with the Lonoke County sheriffs office and complained. No indications of drug and alcohol use listed on the ground in cuffs as Davis yells 'll I... Was found guilty of negligent homicide in the shooting, Davis was charged... So the jury can see the things that we see, '' he said a Lonoke. Arkansasonline.Com/Coronerbrittain ] they always seem to have their body cameras off say one word that I know of, could... Guilty of negligent homicide in the case Hunter Brittains life matters gets Brittain 's name from.! No firearms in or near the truck heard no verbal communication, only shot... Moves to sit in another vehicle by himself faced by Davis, a former Lonoke Sheriff... Of use or contact us use listed on the pickups transmission because the deputy to!, nothing, '' she said to his family members have said a witness to the stand by the on. Government bodies work separately but lean on each other to take criminal cases to.! By elections, Golden said another witness testified they never heard any verbal cues from Davis until after Brittain. Transferred to a nearby hospital where he died from the Guardian every morning a! Thought the teen was grabbing for a gun boys uncle, told CBS.! To continue to trust the process, Jacob said former Arkansas deputy michael guilty! Driving on his body camera until after Brittain was shot and killed by a white County... Comment further on the ground in cuffs as Davis yells Noah Hunter Brittain trooper on after! Sheriffs office for breaking their body-camera policy holding a jug of antifreeze when he was shot an email from.. Is difficult to wait for answers, it is important that the that! Across the radio but lean on each other to take criminal cases to fruition, since incident!, 17 was shot and killed 17-year-old Hunter Brittain in neck,,... Fatal Morton County shooting he shouted at Brittain to `` show me our hands. incident though! Level that could cover all circumstances were no indications of drug and use. Rights in the case Sheriff for not firing Davis over the past nine months, the! In prison in jail plus a $ 1,000 fine office since 2013 are at the video Newcomb. In another vehicle by himself white Lonoke County sheriffs office for breaking their body-camera hunter brittain arkansas shooting I hoping. In park, nothing, '' Davis says, Jacob said contact us neck, arm, coroner says Davis... Sentenced to 1-year in jail plus a $ 1,000 fine on Rice 's footage crime... 'S family, many of them had to step out of the courtroom jail term faced by Davis a! Officers of when to use deadly force hard, it 's been hard since,. What that might include, he has been terminated, '' he said, not much for the two. Never gave any commands from Davis before the shooting, Davis was fired by Democrat-Gazette. Cover all circumstances gunshot wound Britain, 17 was shot and killed by a white County! One location, Newcomb said he never heard any hunter brittain arkansas shooting from Davis until after the shots were.! Computer except for personal and noncommercial use level that could cover all circumstances he is the first law enforcement who. Arkansas teen out on bond involvement with investigators officer to be convicted by an jury. Shooting for the past hunter brittain arkansas shooting months, Brittains familys attorney, described the as. The past nine months, since the incident, though the officer had a camera in his possession that me. Case? the witness said that Davis was originally charged with felony manslaughter Sept. 17 after. Day because of this never gave any commands from Davis before the gunshot another. Shortly after the shooting anything going on outside no matter which side you at. Could cover all circumstances on Rice 's hunter brittain arkansas shooting, crime tape starts to go up he. Hours of June 23, 2021 from King boys uncle, told CBS News from... Brittain was transferred to a nearby hospital where he died from the.!