No Indictment For Aurora Officer Who Killed Unarmed Man

0
499

Aurora, Colorado- The First Judicial District Attorney’s Office says a Grand Jury has decided not to indict Officer Paul Jerothe for the shooting that occurred on March 6, 2015 in the 16200 Block of East 12th Avenue that claimed the life of Naeschylus Carter Vinzant.

This decision came after a comprehensive review of evidence including an investigation by the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office.

When the shooting occurred, Jerothe and other officers were trying to arrest Vinzant. The 37-year-old black man was a parole absconder who was suspected in a domestic violence and robbery case days before.

From the Denver Post: “Authorities had been warned Vinzant was a violent criminal with a history of threatening to kill police.

Police say Vinzant was on foot and that he was shot as officers tried to arrest him. Vinzant was wanted in connection with an alleged domestic violence incident, which included kidnapping, robbery, and assault, according to investigators.

According to the grand jury’s report, Vinzant had assaulted his wife and left her bloodied.

When officers surrounded Vinzant in an attempt to arrest him, Vinzant ran away with his right hand in his right pocket, appearing to hide something, the report says.

Vinzant then came face-to-face with Officer Jerothe, the report said, and began removing his hand from his pocket.

Jerothe opened fire with his rifle, striking Vinzant once in the chest, penetrating his lung and severing his spinal cord, according to the document.”

“Following the shooting, the Aurora Police Department Internal Affairs Bureau opened a case file on this matter. This investigation was placed on hold while the department waited for the outcome of the Grand Jury’s decision.” Police said. “Now that a decision has been made a thorough review and examination of the incident will begin immediately.”

Facebook Comments