New York Daily News

Atlanta ex-cop sprung in Rayshard’s slaying

- BY NANCY DILLON

The fired Atlanta police officer charged with murdering Rayshard Brooks in a Wendy’s parking lot walked out of a Georgia jail early Wednesday after posting his $500,000 bond.

Garrett Rolfe, 27, exited Gwinnett County jail at 12:27 a.m., a law enforcemen­t source told the Daily News.

Fulton County Judge Jane Barwick granted the bail amount Tuesday after Rolfe’s lawyers asked for a $50,000 signature bond and prosecutor­s suggested at least $1 million.

Before the ruling, Brooks’ widow, Tomika Miller, appeared by video and asked the court to deny Rolfe’s release.

“My husband wasn’t perfect, but he didn’t deserve to die,” Miller said through tears.

She said Rolfe showed a “complete disregard” for human life when he opened fire June 12 as Brooks was running away, fatally striking Brooks twice in the back and allegedly hitting an occupied vehicle with a third bullet.

“I can’t sleep at night because I’m scared. And if he’s released, I can only imagine where my mental state will be. I will be so scared,” she said during the appearance.

Miller also expressed anger at Rolfe for allegedly kicking Brooks as he lay dying on the ground and for waiting two minutes to render first aid.

Barwick thanked Miller for her statement but ultimately found “sufficient” evidence to convince the court that Rolfe was not a danger to the community or a flight risk.

The judge also ordered that Rolfe be fitted with an ankle monitor, follow a curfew, surrender his passport and agree not to contact Brooks’ family or tamper with any evidence in the case.

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