My Fox Detroit
DETROIT — A judge has dismissed the charge of involuntary manslaughter against the Detroit police officer who fatally shot a 7-year-old girl during a raid in 2010.
Officer Joseph Weekley had been charged in the death of Aiyana Stanley Jones. The judge dismissed the charge after defense attorney Steve Fishman said prosecutors didn’t show that Weekley acted willfully.
After prosecutors objected, the judge suspended her decision and ordered a recess until late morning.
The Wayne County Prosecution released this statement, “Today Judge Cynthia Hathaway granted the defense motion to dismiss the Involuntary Manslaughter charge. The charge of Careless Discharge Causing Injury or Death remains before the jury. The prosecution has requested a stay to appeal the ruling that was granted by the court today. Because the jury trial is in progress no further comment will be made about the matter. The judge has instructed the jury to return to court on Monday, October 6, 2014.”
Weekley admits shooting Aiyana during the raid, but he says the accident occurred when the girl’s grandmother grabbed his gun. Mertilla Jones denies any interference.
Police threw a stun grenade through a window, and Weekley was the first officer through the door. Police were hunting for a murder suspect.
His second trial began Sept. 18.
His first trial last year ended without a verdict.
Reprinted with permission from MyFOXDetriot