LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Breonna Taylor, 26, was a former EMT who was killed in an officer-involved shooting on March 13.
The family of Taylor alleges the shooting was botched.
High-profile Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump, who has represented figures in the Black Lives Matter movement including Trayvon Martin, and Ahmaud Arbery, is representing Taylor's family. Crump says no one from the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) has been held accountable.
According to Assistant Chief Josh Judah, on March 13 around 12:43 a.m., LMPD Narcotic Detectives were attempting to execute a search warrant in the 3000 Block of Springfield Dr. Allegedly, detectives knocked several times and announced their presence in an attempt to get the people inside to open the door.
Detectives were met with gunfire after the apartment door opened. Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, Det. Brett Hankison and Det Myles Cosgrove returned fire, shooting Taylor eight times killing her, the assistant chief says.
Taylor's mother spoke with a news organization TMX in an interview shared with WHAS11 News about the shooting.
"I could hear Kenny screaming and crying and I could hear all of this noise. I'm like, 'what's going on Kenny?' He said, 'I think Breonna is -- somebody was trying to break in here and I think they shot Breonna'," she explained.
Taylor’s boyfriend, 27-year-old Kenneth Walker, was also inside the house at the time of the shooting. Walker gave a Mirandized statement admitting to being the only person to shoot from inside of the apartment at detectives as they attempted to serve the search warrant.
Walker is being charged with the attempted murder of a police officer. He was placed on house arrest on March 26.
Louisville Metro Police says their Public Integrity Unit is investigating. Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer said he has spoken with Chief Steve Conrad about the case, stating a report will be given to the Commonwealth Attorney who will then make a determination on next steps.
"Police work can involve incredibly difficult situations. Additionally, residents have rights," Fischer said. "These two concepts will and must be weighed by our justice system as the case proceeds."
Attorney Ben Crump released a statement:
“We stand with the family of this young woman in demanding answers from the Louisville Police Department. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding her death, the Department has not provided any answers regarding the facts and circumstances of how this tragedy occurred, nor have they taken responsibility for her senseless killing.”
WHAS11 News reached out to Louisville Metro Police and they responded with a statement:
This is an ongoing Public Integrity investigation and it would not be appropriate to comment beyond our initial statements.
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