The fired San Antonio cop who shot a 17-year-old driver whereas in a McDonald’s parking zone has been indicted on an tried homicide cost, prosecutors mentioned Thursday.
Rookie cop James Brennand, 28, was additionally indicted by a Texas grand jury on two different costs related to the Oct. 2 taking pictures that left teenager Erik Cantu within the hospital for practically two months.
Brennand could be seen on physique cam footage taking pictures at Cantu as he reversed his automobile and fled the parking zone after the officer out of the blue advised him to get out of the automobile.
Simply moments earlier than Brennand approached the car, Cantu was consuming a hamburger.
Brennand was shortly terminated after which charged with two counts of aggravated assault by a public servant in October.
Bexar County District Legal professional Joe Gonzales mentioned one of many aggravated assault costs is for taking pictures Cantu and the opposite is for firing within the path of a feminine passenger who was additionally within the automobile. He may face life in jail if convicted.
The tried homicide cost applies to the taking pictures of Cantu.
“We all know that almost all officers on this metropolis care deeply about this neighborhood, however we can't have a secure metropolis if the neighborhood doesn't have belief within the legal justice system,” Gonzales mentioned Thursday.
However one in all Brennand’s legal professionals argued that his shopper’s model of occasions haven’t been absolutely advised.
There’s been an preliminary “rush to judgment angle,” lawyer Nico LaHood argued.
“We anticipate extra data can be revealed that may additional make clear this incident,” mentioned LaHood, a former Bexar district lawyer.
Cantu was launched from the hospital final week simply in time for the vacations after the practically two-month keep the place was on a ventilator at one level earlier than he made progress.
Household lawyer Ben Crump mentioned information of the indictment was a “aid” to Cantu and his household.
“The grand jury’s choice to indict on an tried homicide cost and two counts of aggravated assault is a big step towards justice — however there's nonetheless a protracted highway forward,” Crump mentioned in a press release. “We are going to proceed to battle for accountability and transparency by the authorized course of.”
Brennand was within the quick meals joint’s parking zone for an unrelated name when he noticed Cantu’s car which he believed evaded him the day earlier than, authorities mentioned.
Police alleged Brennand violated coaching and procedures when he approached the automobile, which they mentioned he thought had been stolen. Whereas the automobile’s registration plates didn’t match the car, the automobile was not stolen, police mentioned.
With Publish wires
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