Atlanta, GA – Fired Atlanta Police officer Garrett Rolfe has been charged with felony murder in the shooting death of Rayshard Brooks outside a Wendy’s late last week. The death spurred more violent protests in which the Wendy’s was burned to the ground and several arrests were made.
The Fulton County district attorney’s office announced that Rolfe will face 11 felony counts including the felony murder charge, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal damage and violation of oath of office. The disgraced officer could serve life in prison without parole or even face the death penalty.
Another officer, Devin Brosnan, who was also on the scene was charged with aggravated assault, and violation of oath of office, which holds a maximum sentence of 20 years. The DA in the case recommended that Brosnan receive a $50,000 bond since he will be cooperating with the state in the investigation.
DA Paul Howard felt confident in his decsion to bring charges after interviewing at least 10 witnesses and reviewing video footage of the incident.
Video footage shows Brooks fighting with police officers then scuffling for a taser that had fallen to the ground. Brooks won the battle to retrieve it, took off running and the police pursued. Brooks turned and fired the taser at point blank range towards the officer, who then returned fire. Brooks was transported to a hospital where he later died from his wounds.
Howard said,
We concluded and considered is as one of our important considerations that Mr. Brooks, never presented himself as a threat.
