Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Judi Lynn

(160,218 posts)
Wed Jul 1, 2020, 06:09 AM Jul 2020

Ex-Atlanta police officer who killed Rayshard Brooks granted bond

Source: Los Angeles Times



This screen grab taken from body camera video shows Rayshard Brooks speaking with Officer Garrett Rolfe, left, late Friday, June 12, 2020, in Atlanta.(Atlanta Police Department via Associated Press)

JULY 1, 20202:31 AM

ATLANTA — The former Atlanta police officer who fatally shot Rayshard Brooks can be free on bond while his case is pending, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jane Barwick set bond of $500,000 for Garrett Rolfe, who faces charges including felony murder in the killing of Brooks, a 27-year-old Black man. The shooting by the white officer happened against the backdrop of demonstrations nationwide over police brutality and systemic racism after George Floyd died in Minneapolis police custody.

Appearing via teleconference because of the coronavirus, lawyers for Rolfe argued that, as a native Georgian with strong ties to the community, he was not at risk of fleeing or failing to show up for court and posed no danger to the community. A prosecutor argued that Rolfe, 27, had committed an unjustified fatal shooting and was a flight risk and might intimidate witnesses.

Brooks’ widow, Tomika Miller, sobbed throughout an emotional plea to the judge, asking her not to grant bond for Rolfe.

Read more: https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-07-01/atlanta-police-officer-killed-rayshard-brooks-granted-bond

3 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Ex-Atlanta police officer who killed Rayshard Brooks granted bond (Original Post) Judi Lynn Jul 2020 OP
Murder in cold blood does NOT allow a person to be out on bail.. secondwind Jul 2020 #1
Under the 8th Amendment melm00se Jul 2020 #2
Also ankle monitor, curfew, no passport, guns, contact with victims, witnesses or Atlanta police PSPS Jul 2020 #3

melm00se

(4,974 posts)
2. Under the 8th Amendment
Wed Jul 1, 2020, 08:38 AM
Jul 2020

bail is a right. It is not an absolute right but the state has to show the accused is a flight risk or pose a danger to society.

The argument that his actions prove that he is a threat to society would not be applicable here as that the accused has a presumption of innocence.

But never let someone's rights (and yes, I understand that Mr. Brooks had rights too) get in the way of a fit of moral outrage.

Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Ex-Atlanta police officer...