A Louisville police officer was fired Thursday for the fatalshooting of a 19year old Black teenage boy.
McKenzie Mattingly, 31, was indicted on murdercharges when he violated the department’s use of force policyand shot and killed Michael Newby back in January 2004, accordingto police Chief Robert White.
Apparently, Newby marked number seven on thelist of Black men killed by police in the past five years inLouisville, KY. His death incited a series of protests fromconcerned citizens who ultimately support White’s decision tofire this White officer.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student,Toray Bailey, often feels unrest and thinks that young Black malesare at risk because of racial profiling.
“I would be just as upset if a White manwas killed” said Bailey. “The police should take moreprecaution before they pull their triggers. The end result of aviolent situation does not always have to be death.”
Mattingly expressed to investigators that heassumed Newby, 19, was carrying a concealed weapon as the twostruggled over the officer’s service handgun. Policedescribed the incident as an “undercover drug buy goneawry.”
“Specifically, I felt that Michael Newbywas not an immediate threat to the officer’s life or hisphysical well-being. Nor was any other person in the area clearlyin immediate danger because of Newby’s actions,” ChiefWhite stated.
McKenzie, who had been on paid administrativeleave since the January 3rd shooting outside of awestern Louisville liquor store, has pleaded not guilty andunfortunately is free on bond.
According to the AP, Steve Schroering,Mattingly’s attorney in the criminal case, said he wasdissatisfied with White’s decision to fire McKenzie.”In light of the true facts of the case, the decision ispitiful. But in light of the political environment, it waspredictable,” Schroering said.
While most concurred with the Chief’sdecision, others felt that obvious signs revealed that Mattinglydid indeed fear for his safety and most importantly his life.
A spokesperson for the Fraternal Order ofPolice called Mattingly’s firing impulsive, and statedthat the union intends on filing an appeal once the criminal casehas completely ended.
Newby’s mother filed a federal lawsuit back in March,claiming her son’s civil rights were violated and is seeking$5 million in damages.
