The jury in the manslaughter trial of former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter, who fatally shot Daunte Wright, has returned its verdict.
On Thursday, the verdict was read in the trial.
Potter was found guilty of first- and second-degree manslaughter.
Former Minneapolis police officer Kim Potter has been found guilty of first- and second-degree manslaughter for shooting and killing 20-year-old Daunte Wright.
— The Recount (@therecount) December 23, 2021
Potter had claimed she mistakenly used her gun instead of Taser. pic.twitter.com/T1gQC7u4ld
Potter was charged with first- and second-degree manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Wright, a Black man, in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, in April.
As USA Today notes, “The first-degree manslaughter charge carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and/or a $30,000 fine. The second-degree charge has a maximum sentence of 10 years and/or a $20,000 fine.”
In April, Wright was shot during a traffic stop after he broke free while another officer was attempting to handcuff him after he was informed there was an outstanding warrant. He then was able to return to the driver’s seat of his car.
Potter was heard on bodycam footage saying, “I’ll Tase you!”
“Taser! Taser! Taser!” she shouted.
However, instead of drawing a taser, she drew her firearm and shot Wright in the chest.
During the trial, prosecutors argued Potter “recklessly” handled her firearm. Her defense said she confused her firearm for her taser and was justified in using deadly force.
