An ex-Michigan state trooper was convicted of manslaughter for the 2017 death of a Black teen who was tased following a police chase.
According to The Associated Press, former trooper Mark Bessner was convicted on Wednesday of involuntary manslaughter for the death of 15-year-old Damon Grimes which occurred on August 26, 2017.
Bessner and his partner chased the teen while he rode an all-terrain vehicle.
Court documents state the former officer fired a Taser from the passenger seat of the cruiser at Damon during the chase. Bessner claimed the victim had a weapon on his person at the time of the encounter. However, evidence from the case proved the teen was unarmed.
"Although the verdict came back guilty on involuntary manslaughter … (the verdict) was only a partial justice for Damon Grimes' family," Rev. W. J. Rideout III, a community activist, told The Detroit News.
Following the teen's death, Bessner quit the state troopers. He was initially charged with second-degree murder, but the jury went for a lesser charge after a one-day deliberation in 2018.
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Two months before the fatal encounter with Damon, the trooper had a similar run-in with another person. The Detroit News reports the 46-year-old had a history of misconduct involving the use of a Taser.
A man was handcuffed during a traffic stop but somehow managed to run away and jump fences. Bessner was ultimately cleared by an arbitrator for the infraction.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy praised the jury for its decision.
"The jury made a strong statement today about the defendant’s criminal actions," Worthy said. "This verdict was a result of a lot of hard work by my office and law enforcement. I want to thank this jury and it is my earnest hope that this verdict brings some small semblance of peace to the Grimes family."
Bessner will be sentenced May 2. The Detroit News noted it is possible the 46-year-old could face 15 years in prison and a $7,500 fine. Former colleagues present in the court condemned the ex-trooper for his handling of the situation. They also sent their condolences to the family.
"The Michigan State Police appreciates the careful deliberation of the men and women of the jury and we are grateful to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office for their dedication to justice," said Col. Joe Gasper, the agency's director. "We send our sincere condolences to the family, friends and supporters of Damon Grimes."
In the meantime, the Grimes family has taken legal action against Bessner. In 2017, Monique Grimes, Damon's mother, filed a $50 million federal civil lawsuit. Proceedings regarding the suit are scheduled for April 24.
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