UPDATE: Federal Judge Dismisses Charges Against 2 Former Officers Involved In The Breonna Taylor Raid
A federal judge has dismissed charges against two former officers involved in the Breonna Taylor raid.
RELATED:Â Breonna Taylorâs Mother Shares That It Took Several Hours Before She Learned Of Her Passing
More Details On The Dismissed Charges Against The Officers Involved In The Breonna Taylor Raid
According to CNN, US District Court Judge Charles Simpson dismissed charges against former detective Joshua Jaynes and former officer Kyle Meany. The outlet notes that in 2022, the pair were charged with âsubmitting a false affidavit,â which prompted the fatal search of Taylorâs home on March 13, 2020.
Additionally, the pair were accused of creating a âfalse cover story in an attempt to escape responsibility for their rolesâ in creating the search warrant with âfalse information.â The pairâs initial charges reportedly carried life sentences. To note, TMZ reports that neither officer was present during the raid.
However, on Thursday, August 22, Judge Simpson reportedly declared that the search warrant did not lead to Taylorâs death. Instead, Simpson reportedly stated that Taylorâs boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, firing his gun at officers was âthe legal causeâ of her death.
âThere is no direct link between the warrantless entry and Taylorâs death,â the courtâs ruling reads, per the outlet. âTaylorâs death was proximately caused by the manner in which the warrant was executed. [Kenneth Walkerâs] decision to open fire, as alleged and argued, was the natural and probable consequence of executing the warrant at 12:45 a.m. on âan unsuspecting household.â That decision prompted the return fire, which hit and killed Taylor.â
According to TMZ, Jaynes still faces âtwo counts of falsification of records, conspiracy to falsify records, and witness tamperingâ charges in the case. Meanwhile, Meany reportedly faces âone charge of [making] false statement to federal investigators.â The outlet adds that Jaynes could still serve up to 40 years in prison while Meany may still serve up to five.
Social Media Reacts
Social media users reacted to the update on Taylorâs case in The Shade Roomâs comment section.
Instagram user @sydneieverett wrote, âJustice does not exist for us. I truly fear for our future.â
While Instagram user @dakidgowie added, âWe live in a country where you can break into someoneâs house in the middle of the night and be acquitted because the VICTIM tried defending his home.â
Instagram user @liifeofchristian wrote, âThey hate us so bad. Iâll never understandâŠâ
While Instagram user @theajzone added, âWAIT!!!! Their privilege will make you think YOU got it twisted!!!!đ”âđ«Isnât the only reason boyfriend had the gun out was in self defense of an UNANNOUNCED invasion!!!!!???????â
Instagram user @velly.made.it wrote, âHe had a LEGAL right to fire at them⊠THEY HAD THE WRONG ADDRESS WITH NO WARRANTâ
While Instagram user @thecurlymonae added, âGot it. I can illegally come into pplâs homes and once they start shooting at me I can now legally unalive the residents. Cool.â
Instagram user @poetnextd00r wrote, âThey lucky we only want equality, the moment we want revenge they should be afraid.â
While Instagram user @brianraynard added, âLet this be a reminder to VOTE in all elections, not just the presidential one. Local and state elections are just as important!â
Meanwhile, Waka Flocka added, âF**k man this shit got me tightâ
Additionally, Drita DâAvanzo of âMob Wivesâ wrote:
âFor those that say the boyfriend should not have shot at them & this wouldnât have happened. My home was raided TWICE. THE POLICE DO NOT ANNOUNCE THEMSELVES! THEY LITERALLY BARGE THROUGH YOUR F DOOR with guns in your face & attack! I thought I was getting robbed too! They are supposed to show a warrant! THEY DO NOT! Raids should be illegal! The way the GOV cryn about Jan 6th⊠peopleâs unlawful entry! same sh! Same feeling! If you donât like itâŠdonât allow it! Citizens donât have police or national guard on F call. Ban Raids or do it the right way! knock & show the warrant! Nobody understands what it feels like to see your door get kicked down with guns in your f face! May her soul Rest in Peace #ripbreaonnataylor #Ban Home Invasions!â
Hereâs What Recently Happened With Breonna Taylorâs Boyfriend
At this time, Kenneth Walker has not publicly reacted to the federal ruling. Furthermore, the decision arrives almost two years after he was awarded $2 million in a settlement against the city of Louisville, Kentucky, The Shade Room.
The settlement reportedly argued that the âunlawful raidâ of Taylorâs home and the âmaterially falseâ search warrant resulted in her death.
âWhile this tragedy will haunt Kenny for the rest of his life, he is pleased that this chapter of his life is completed,â Walkerâs lawyer, Steve Romines, said at the time. âHe will live with the effects of being put in harmâs way due to a falsified warrant, to being a victim of a hailstorm of gunfire, and to suffering the unimaginable and horrific death of Breonna Taylor.â
RELATED:Â Breonna Taylorâs Boyfriend Kenneth Walker Reaches $2M Settlement With City Of Louisville
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