The FBI has charged four current and former Louisville police officers with involvement in the murders Breonna Taylor in a “don’t knock” raid, federal authorities said. The news comes after more than two years since her death, which occurred in March 2020.
NBC News reported that former LMPD detectives Kelly Goodlett, Joshua Jaynes and Brett Hankison, along with current Sergeant Kyle Meaney, all face federal civil rights charges following a lengthy investigation into the death of EMT is 26 years old after she was shot dead by LMPD officers during a search warrant at her apartment.
Police executed a search warrant, which the Justice Department said was filed with false information, at her home involving her ex-boyfriend and suspected drug dealer, Jamarcus Glover.
Police misinformation about “No Knock” guarantee at Taylor’s home
Jaynes, who was fired last year, is also accused of adding a false statement to his affidavit for a “don’t knock,” according to officials.
Abortion: Joshua Jaynes, Kelly Goodlett, Kyle Meany and Brett Hankison have been charged in connection with the deadly raid that cost Breonna Taylor her life. Charges include federal civil rights violations, unlawful conspiracy, unconstitutional use of force, and obstruction. pic.twitter.com/bgrJYLNVbD
– Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) August 4, 2022
He claims he verified through a US Postal Inspector that Glover delivered packages of illegal substances to her apartment. However, Jaynes actually received information from an officer, who himself learned about the packages from Shivley Police, according to NBC News.
Taylor’s death sparked widespread outrage and outcry across the country.
Charges include unlawful use of force, unlawful conspiracy, obstruction of justice
The charges, which include unlawful conspiracy, unconstitutional use of force and obstruction of justice, were announced by Attorney General Merrick Garland and Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke on Thursday.
Garland said: “Breonna Taylor would be alive today. “The Department of Justice is committed to protecting and defending the civil rights of everyone in this country.”
Garland added that although Hankison was cleared of criminal charges for accidental endangerment earlier this year, he still faces two civil charges, according to the agency.
Hankison allegedly shot through Taylor’s windows and sliding glass doors and was the only officer charged in connection with Taylor’s death prior to Thursday’s announcement.
JUDGMENT: Attorney General Merrick Garland announced that the Justice Department has charged four current and former Louisville Metro Police Department officers with federal crimes in connection with the death of Breonna Taylor. https://t.co/MkMVdSy5iE pic.twitter.com/Dn3DYyVoB0
– ABC News (@ABC) August 4, 2022
An agent lied to the FBI, LMPD misconduct investigation continues
Another indictment filed Thursday alleges that Hankison opened fire ten more times after Taylor was shot, according to the source.
Court documents say Jaynes and Goodlett “intentionally forged” a document created after her death, and claimed that the pair allegedly met in a garage in May 2020 to discuss telling investigators a fake story to “cover up their illegal behavior.”
Meanwhile, Sergeant Kyle Meaney is said to have “lie to the FBI” during the investigation into the Taylors’ death, and has also been charged with the same.
Assistant Attorney General Clarke added that a civil investigation into the LMPD’s pattern of law enforcement misconduct is continuing.
