Prosecutors allege that Officer Jeronimo Yanez shot Castile, 32, during a traffic stop when though Castile alerted the officer that he was armed. A jury trial is scheduled for May 30.
Officer Jeronimo Yanez is expected to plead not guilty today in the shooting death of Philando Castile. | http://cbsloc.al/2lqnNsE
Officer Charged In Castile Shooting Death Expected To Plead Not Guilty
Nearly eight months after the shooting death of Philando Castile, St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez is expected to plead not guilty, according to defense attorney Earl Gray.
minnesota.cbslocal.com
At a previous court hearing, Judge William Leary III rejected the defense team’s request to dismiss the case, arguing that Yanez feared for his life during the encounter.
The defense has also filed for a dismissal over autopsy results that showed Castile was under the influence of marijuana during the incident. They argue his usage contributed to his own demise.
However, the prosecution countered that a jury should decide if Castile’s alleged marijuana use caused negligence.
During the traffic stop, Castile’s girlfriend, who was in the front passenger seat, streamed the shooting live on Facebook.
Investigators said Castile had a permit to carry a weapon.
Article Appeared @https://newsone.com/3681733/minnesota-cop-jeronimo-yanez-who-killed-philando-castile-pleads-not-guilty/