A former police officer in Virginia, Wesley Shifflett, was acquitted of involuntary manslaughter but convicted of reckless handling of a firearm after fatally shooting a shoplifting suspect, Timothy McCree Johnson, outside a mall. Shifflett claimed self-defense, stating he feared Johnson was reaching for a weapon. Prosecutors argued Shifflett’s actions were reckless, criticizing his decision to shoot in a crowded area without waiting for backup. The bodycam video showed the shooting, but was inconclusive on whether Johnson reached for a weapon. Despite being fired by the Fairfax County Police Chief for violating use-of-force policies, the video’s ambiguity led to uncertainty about Shifflett’s actions. Prosecutors faced challenges in presenting their case, as a grand jury initially declined to indict Shifflett, prompting Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano to convene a special grand jury that indicted him. The trial faced delays due to a prosecutor’s medical issue, and defense lawyers considered requesting a mistrial during closing arguments. Shifflett will be sentenced for reckless discharge of a firearm, a felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison, in February. The case highlighted the complexities of police use of force and the challenges prosecutors face in holding officers accountable for misconduct.
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