A white police officer, Brad Lunsford, was found guilty of manslaughter after fatally shooting Presley Eze, a 36-year-old Black man, at a gas station in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The incident occurred in 2022 during a scuffle when Eze took hold of another officer's Taser, prompting the officer to shoot him at point-blank range.
The case drew significant attention after the NAACP urged investigators to bring charges against the officer, emphasizing concerns surrounding the use of lethal force in such circumstances. During an eight-day jury trial, Officer Lunsford’s lawyer, Jose Coronado, argued that the shooting was justified because Eze was holding a Taser dangerously close to another officer’s face and appeared ready to activate it.
Experts supporting the defense maintained that under those specific conditions, the use of force was unavoidable in order to neutralize the immediate threat. The ruling underscores the contentious debate over police tactics and the extent to which officers are held accountable in high-stakes, racially sensitive situations.
5 Comments
Katchuka
This is a clear example of excessive use of force! Shooting an unarmed man at point-blank range is never justified.
Loubianka
We need to hold police officers accountable for their actions, especially when they result in the death of an innocent Black man.
KittyKat
I support the jury's decision in this case. Officer Lunsford was in a difficult situation and made a split-second decision to protect himself and his fellow officers.
Noir Black
I'm glad that the jury recognized that Officer Lunsford was acting in self-defense.
Karamba
Thank you, Officer Lunsford, for your service.