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US jury finds cop guilty of excessive force in Taylor death

November 2, 2024

A jury found a Louisville police officer guilty of using excessive force on Taylor during a botched raid that led to her death. But he was cleared on a charge of violating her neighbors' civil rights.

 Breonna Taylor's mother reacts to the news
Breonna Taylor's mother reacts to the newsImage: Dylan Lovan/AP/picture alliance

A federal jury on Friday convicted a former Kentucky police officer of using excessive force on Breonna Taylor during a botched drug raid that left her dead.

The jury also acquitted Brett Hankison of a second count that accused him of violating the civil rights of Taylor’s neighbors. 

Hankinson could face up to life in prison. 

Breonna Taylor movement

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What happened the night when Breonna Taylor was killed?

On March 13, 2020, officers breached the door of Taylor's apartment with their guns drawn to execute a search warrant.

Taylor's boyfriend thought it was an intruder and fired a shot that struck an officer in the leg. The officers at the scene responded with a barrage of gunfire, killing Taylor.

Hankison fired 10 shots into Taylor’s glass door and windows during the raid but didn’t hit anyone. Some shots flew into a next-door neighbor’s adjoining apartment.

Taylor's death sparked widespread protests, with people taking their anger to the streets.

Two months after her death, George Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis officer, fanning the nation's simmering outrage over police brutality.

Both deaths brought renewed focus on police departments, with protesters calling for a serious overhaul in policing practices.

In September 2020, city officials of Louisville paid $12 million to Taylor's family and promised to reform its police practices. 

rm/rmt (AFP, AP)

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