Current:Home > MyPolice officers won't face charges in fatal shooting of protester at 'Cop City' -Capitatum
Police officers won't face charges in fatal shooting of protester at 'Cop City'
EchoSense View
Date:2025-04-06 08:49:34
None of the Georgia State Police troopers involved in the fatal shooting of Manuel "Tortuguita" Teran will face charges, according to Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George R. Christian.
Teran, who used they/them pronouns, was shot and killed by police on Jan. 18 as officers raided campgrounds occupied by environmental demonstrators who had allegedly been camping out for months to protest the development of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, dubbed "Cop City" by critics.
According to an autopsy of Teran sent to ABC News, they did not have gunpowder residue on their hands. Officials claimed Teran fired the first shot at a state trooper. Officers then responded with gunfire.
In Friday's announcement that no charges would be filed, Christian wrote that Teran responded to officers firing "less lethal" pepperball rounds by "shooting four (4) times his 9 mm pistol through the tent striking and seriously injuring a Georgia State Trooper. Six Troopers returned fire resulting in the death of Teran."
"The use of lethal (deadly) force by the Georgia State Patrol was objectively reasonable under the circumstances of this case," Christian wrote. "No criminal charges will be brought against the Georgia State Patrol Troopers involved in the shooting of Manuel Perez Teran."
MORE: DeKalb County releases autopsy in 'Cop City' protester Manuel Teran's death
Teran had at least 57 gunshot wounds in their body, according to the autopsy, including in the hands, torso, legs and head.
An independent autopsy from the family found that Teran’s hands were raised during the fatal shooting, however, the DeKalb County autopsy stated, "There are too many variables with respect to movement of the decedent and the shooters to draw definitive conclusions concerning Mr. Teran's body position."
The DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office had ruled the death a homicide.
The Georgia Attorney General's Office is conducting its own investigation into the shooting.
ABC News' Jason Volack and Bill Hutchinson contributed to this report.
veryGood! (91)
Related
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- 2024 NFL draft: USC's Caleb Williams leads top 5 quarterback prospect list
- 'Bluey' special 'The Sign' and a new episode premiere in April. Here's how to watch.
- Chiefs coach Andy Reid shares uplifting message for Kansas City in wake of parade shooting
- North Carolina justices rule for restaurants in COVID
- Eye ointments sold at CVS, Walmart recalled by FDA over unsanitary conditions at plant
- Moon landing goes sideways: Odysseus mission will be cut short after craft tipped over
- Leader of Georgia state Senate Democrats won’t seek office again this year
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- Bears want to 'do right' by Justin Fields if QB is traded, GM Ryan Poles says
Ranking
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- More crime and conservatism: How new owners are changing 'The Baltimore Sun'
- DEA cracks down on pill presses in latest front in the fight against fentanyl
- Hawaii’s governor releases details of $175M fund to compensate Maui wildfire victims
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- See Who Will Play the Jackson 5 in Michael Jackson Biopic
- Chiefs coach Andy Reid shares uplifting message for Kansas City in wake of parade shooting
- Calvin University president quits after school gets report of ‘inappropriate’ conduct
Recommendation
Finally, good retirement news! Southwest pilots' plan is a bright spot, experts say
See Who Will Play the Jackson 5 in Michael Jackson Biopic
Adam Sandler's Daughters Sunny and Sadie Are All Grown Up During Family Night Out
Proof copy of Harry Potter book, bought for pennies in 1997, sells for more than $13,000
Macy's says employee who allegedly hid $150 million in expenses had no major 'impact'
Phones are distracting students in class. More states are pressing schools to ban them
Emhoff to announce $1.7B in pledges to help US President Biden meet goal of ending hunger by 2030
Bridgeport voters try again to pick mayor after 1st election tossed due to absentee ballot scandal