Fired Atlanta police officer charged with felony murder
Former Atlanta police Officer Garrett Rolfe was charged Wednesday with 11 counts, including felony murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, in the killing of Rayshard Brooks, the latest in a string of Black people dying after altercations with police.
If convicted, Rolfe is facing the possibility of the death penalty or life in prison.
Arrest warrants have been issued for Rolfe and fellow officer Devin Brosnan, who was also at the scene and is facing three lesser charges.
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said that rather than provide timely medical attention to Brooks after the shooting, as required by city policy, Rolfe kicked Brooks as he lay on the ground dying and Brosnan stood on his shoulder.
Brosnan was charged with aggravated assault, among other offenses, but according to Howard, he is cooperating with prosecutors and is willing to testify against Rolfe. Howard said this is the first time that has happened in 40 such cases. Rolfe was fired after shooting, while Brosnan was placed on leave.
Brooks’ cordial and cooperative demeanor before the attempt to arrest him played a major role in the determination to present the charges, Howard said.
“We concluded and considered as one of our important considerations that Mr. Brooks never presented himself as a threat,” Howard said. “For 41 minutes and 17 seconds (before Rolfe tried to handcuff him), he followed their instruction, he answered the questions.”
The DA also pointed out Rolfe and Brosnan did not tell Brooks he was being arrested for driving under the influence, as mandated by the Atlanta Police Department in those situations.