New Mexico Cops Who Killed Homeless Man Finally Facing Murder Charges

http://truthvoice.com/2015/06/new-mexico-cops-who-killed-homeless-m...

June 24, 2015

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Two police officers who shot and killed a mentally ill, homeless man may face second-degree murder charges.

On March 16, 2014, Albuquerque police officers Keith Sandy and Dominique Perez concluded a standoff by opening fire and killing James Boyd, a mentally ill homeless man who was camping in the Sandia Mountains.

Video of the seconds leading up to the shooting shows Boyd distanced at least 5 yards away from the officers, holding what appeared to be hunting knives in his hands. Boyd turned away from the officers and dropped the two knives before one of the officers fires a Taser, missing him. Officers then let loose a barrage from their assault rifles, shooting him in the back. Police then approached his dying body and placed him in handcuffs.

Left: Officer Dominique Perez; Right: Officer Keith Sandy

Many have criticized the actions of police as unnecessary because of the little risk Boyd appeared to pose. When Boyd was shot, he was facing away fromt he officers, and dropped his weapons in a possible attempt to surrender.

Over a year later, prosecutors have decided to pursue officers for the killing. The office of special prosecutor Randi McGinn said Monday that they intend to charge officers Sandy and Perez with second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and aggravated battery.

McGinn’s office will present evidence at a preliminary hearing to a judge in August. The judge will then review the evidence and make a decision on whether to proceed with the charges.

Sam Bregman, Officer Sandy’s defense attorney, said says disagrees with the prosecution’s decision to bring charges against the officers.

“There is no justification for charging Keith Sandy with any crime. [Keith Sandy] was a police officer protecting a fellow officer when he shot a mentally unstable man wielding two knives.” said Bregman. “There is simply no criminal intent.”

Officer Sandy has since retired from Albuquerque police department. Officer Perez is still employed with the APD, placed on administrative duty. Until now, neither officer had been accused of a crime.

A video of the shooting is available below. Warning! Some viewers may find the content highly disturbing; discretion is advised:

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Albuquerque Cops Who Killed Homeless Man Are Facing Murder Charges

I’m sure many of you remember the death of James Boyd. He was the mentally ill homeless man who was killed by Albuquerque police officers Kieth Sandy and Dominique Perez, back in March of 2014. You may also recall the graphic video of his death, as well as the incriminating recording of comments made by Kieth Sandy before the confrontation, both of which make it clear that James Boyd was murdered by these officers.

For the longest time it seemed like these officers would never face justice for what they did, but that may be about to change. Prosecutor Randi McGinn announced on Monday that she intends to charge the two officers with second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and aggravated battery. The prosecution will lay out their evidence to a judge in August, who will decide if Perez and Sandy should be taken to court.

Sandy’s defense attorney has since issued a statement defending his client: “There is no justification for charging Keith Sandy with any crime. [Keith Sandy] was a police officer protecting a fellow officer when he shot a mentally unstable man wielding two knives. There is simply no criminal intent.” While it may be his job to defend his client no matter what, somehow how I doubt that a jury will see it that way after watching the body cam footage of James Boyd’s death.

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Contributed by Joshua Krause of The Daily Sheeple.

Joshua Krause is a reporter, writer and researcher at The Daily Sheeple. He was born and raised in the Bay Area and is a freelance writer and author. You can follow Joshua’s reports at Facebook or on his personal Twitter. Joshua’s website is Strange Danger .