Current:Home > StocksPolice officers won't face charges in fatal shooting of protester at 'Cop City' -Secure Horizon Growth
Police officers won't face charges in fatal shooting of protester at 'Cop City'
Johnathan Walker View
Date:2025-04-11 09:21:24
None of the Georgia State Police troopers involved in the fatal shooting of Manuel "Tortuguita" Teran will face charges, according to Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney George R. Christian.
Teran, who used they/them pronouns, was shot and killed by police on Jan. 18 as officers raided campgrounds occupied by environmental demonstrators who had allegedly been camping out for months to protest the development of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, dubbed "Cop City" by critics.
According to an autopsy of Teran sent to ABC News, they did not have gunpowder residue on their hands. Officials claimed Teran fired the first shot at a state trooper. Officers then responded with gunfire.
In Friday's announcement that no charges would be filed, Christian wrote that Teran responded to officers firing "less lethal" pepperball rounds by "shooting four (4) times his 9 mm pistol through the tent striking and seriously injuring a Georgia State Trooper. Six Troopers returned fire resulting in the death of Teran."
"The use of lethal (deadly) force by the Georgia State Patrol was objectively reasonable under the circumstances of this case," Christian wrote. "No criminal charges will be brought against the Georgia State Patrol Troopers involved in the shooting of Manuel Perez Teran."
MORE: DeKalb County releases autopsy in 'Cop City' protester Manuel Teran's death
Teran had at least 57 gunshot wounds in their body, according to the autopsy, including in the hands, torso, legs and head.
An independent autopsy from the family found that Teran’s hands were raised during the fatal shooting, however, the DeKalb County autopsy stated, "There are too many variables with respect to movement of the decedent and the shooters to draw definitive conclusions concerning Mr. Teran's body position."
The DeKalb County Medical Examiner's Office had ruled the death a homicide.
The Georgia Attorney General's Office is conducting its own investigation into the shooting.
ABC News' Jason Volack and Bill Hutchinson contributed to this report.
veryGood! (6421)
Related
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- 10 service members injured, airlifted after naval training incident in Nevada: Reports
- Rhode Island files lawsuit against 13 companies that worked on troubled Washington Bridge
- UNHCR to monitor implementation of Italy-Albania accord to ensure migrants’ asylum rights respected
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Sofia Richie Shares Special Way She’s Cherishing Mom Life With Baby Eloise
- South Carolina man suing Buc-ee's says he was injured by giant inflatable beaver: Lawsuit
- Looking to buy a home? You may now need to factor in the cost of your agent’s commission
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Watch as frantic Texas cat with cup stuck on its head is rescued, promptly named Jar Jar
Ranking
- Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
- Prominent 2020 election denier seeks GOP nod for Michigan Supreme Court race
- How Lubbock artists pushed back after the city ended funding for its popular art walk
- Lawyer and family of U.S. Air Force airman killed by Florida deputy demand that he face charges
- What to know about Tuesday’s US House primaries to replace Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword, But Daddy I Love Crosswords
- 3 killed after semitruck overturns on highway near Denver
- Newly identified remains of missing World War II soldier from Oregon set to return home
Recommendation
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Delta says it’s reviewing how man boarded wrong flight. A family says he was following them
Fentanyl, meth trafficker gets 376-year prison sentence for Colorado drug crimes
Neighbor reported smelling gas night before Maryland house explosion
Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
Millennials, Gen Z are 'spiraling,' partying hard and blowing their savings. Why?
Here's What Jennifer Lopez Is Up to on Ben Affleck's Birthday
Disney wrongful death lawsuit over allergy highlights danger of fine print