The Atlanta cop who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks last week has been charged with murder.
Former police officer Garrett Rolfe was charged today with 11 counts, including felony murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted, he could face the death penalty or life in prison.
His partner, Devin Brosnan, is facing three charges. Brosnan is cooperating as a state witness.
Brooks was detained for more than 40 minutes after falling asleep drunk behind the wheel of his car in a Wendy’s drive-thru. Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard says he decided to charge Wolfe with murder because Brooks’s cooperative demeanor, until he was handcuffed, suggested that he was not a threat. (USA Today)
Hot Takes:
- Rolfe’s lawyers will argue that since Brooks managed to get his taser, he had reason to fear that Brooks could get his gun if he tried to tackle him instead.
- But it was pretty apparent that Brooks was just trying to get away. Rolfe could have called for backup instead of shooting.
- Let’s be honest: Two months ago, Rolfe would still have his job and would not be charged. Things have already changed a lot.
- I’ll be really surprised if the murder charge makes it all the way to trial.