Kim Potter, a former police officer with the Brooklyn, Minn., Center said she intended to use a Taser instead of a shotgun when she fatally shot Daunte Wright on April 11.
Hennepin County Sheriff via AP
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Hennepin County Sheriff via AP
Kim Potter, a former police officer with the Brooklyn, Minn., Center said she intended to use a Taser instead of a shotgun when she fatally shot Daunte Wright on April 11.
Hennepin County Sheriff via AP
MINNEAPOLIS – A predominantly white jury sat down on Friday for the trial of a white police officer in suburban Minneapolis who said she drew a shotgun when she fatally shot a black driver. Daunte Wright after stopping traffic.
Nine of the first 12 jurors sat for Kim Potter’s Trial is white — roughly similar to the demographics of surrounding Hennepin County, but notably less diverse than the jury that convicted former Minneapolis Officer Derek Chauvin this spring in the death of George Floyd.
Potter, 49, was charged with first- and second-degree manslaughter in the April 11 shooting in the suburbs Brooklyn Center. The opening statements are scheduled for Wednesday.
Diverse juries are key to minimizing bias, legal experts say
Legal experts say juries that are diverse in terms of race, gender and economic background are needed to minimize bias in the legal system.
Ted Sampsell-Jones, professor at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St.
He said racial and ethnic diversity matters in terms of the perceived legitimacy of the jury, but that attitudes about police and police officers are much more important to the outcome of a case.
“It may be true in general that Blacks don’t trust the police more than whites,” says Sampsell-Jones, “but that’s not true for every individual. “For example, a lot of young white men in Hennepin County are much more progressive and anti-police than some older blacks.”
Alan Tuerkheimer, a Chicago-based jury consultant, says even a juror by color can be enough to change the dynamics of discussions by bringing more depth and perspective. another point for the process.
Potter has said that she intended to use her Taser on Wright after he tried to scare off officers while they were trying to arrest him, but she grabbed the gun instead. his short. Her body camera captured the footage.
Of the first 12 jurors to sit – who would consider if no replacement was needed – one juror identified as Black and two as Asian. The panel is divided equally between men and women. The two alternatives are also white.
The grand jury roughly matched the demographics of Hennepin County, which is about 74% white.
Potential jurors were asked about their views on the protests against the police
Attorneys and judges spent considerable time polling potential jurors about their views on protests against police brutality, which have been frequent in Minneapolis even before George Floyd passed away.
The questionnaires were asked about attitudes towards the police, including whether officers should be judged young or old, whether they receive the respect they deserve, and whether the individual should be treated. whether the jurors trust them or not.
The 11th jury, for example, said she “partially agrees” that officers shouldn’t guess old.
“I think sometimes you just react, and sometimes it can be a wrong response, but you know, mistakes still happen,” she said. “Everyone makes mistakes.”
She sat down after saying she could put that point aside and consider the evidence.
Some jurors strongly disagreed that it was unreasonable to question the officers’ actions. Juror number 19, the only Black on the jury, wondered how Potter could display a “lack of judgment” given her experience.
She said of police officers in general: “This is a service job, and when you get into the position you need to understand that it is a tough job and so you have to maintain a level of professionalism. there.
Potter has said that she will testify at her trial
Potter, who resigned two days after Wright’s death, told the court she would testify. Full-body camera video captures the shot, with Potter hearing the words, “Taser, Taser, Taser” before she opens fire, followed by “I got the wrong gun (with expiry date).”
Wright, 20, was shot while Chauvin was in court 10 miles (16 km) away for the murder of Floyd. Wright’s death sparked several nights of violent protests in the suburbs.
The most serious charge against Potter requires prosecutors to demonstrate recklessness; The lower only asked them to prove regrettable negligence. Minnesota sentencing guidelines call for sentences of just over seven years for first-degree manslaughter and four years for second-degree charges. Prosecutors said they would seek a longer sentence.
