Latest news with #criminalCharges
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
Federal judge dismisses charges against Atlanta officer in 2019 deadly shooting
The Brief U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown dismissed charges against Officer Sung H. Kim, citing federal Supremacy Clause and Georgia's self-defense laws. The court found Kim's belief that Atchison posed a threat reasonable, supported by testimony from other officers and a use-of-force expert. The decision ends the criminal case, following public outcry and a wrongful death lawsuit by Atchison's family. ATLANTA - A federal judge has dismissed all criminal charges against Atlanta Police Officer Sung H. Kim, ruling he was immune from prosecution in the 2019 fatal shooting of 21-year-old Jimmy Atchison during a federal task force operation. What we know U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown issued the ruling on Tuesday, citing both the federal Supremacy Clause and Georgia's self-defense laws as grounds for dismissal. The decision voids a Fulton County grand jury indictment that charged Kim with felony murder, involuntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and violation of oath of office. "There is no genuine dispute that [Kim] reasonably believed his actions were necessary and proper," Brown wrote. "The evidence for self-defense is so overwhelming it is hard to understand how Georgia could have brought these charges in the first place." The backstory The incident occurred on January 22, 2019, when Kim, a 26-year veteran of the Atlanta Police Department and a deputized member of the FBI's Atlanta Violent Crime Task Force, joined a team attempting to arrest Atchison on an armed robbery warrant. According to court documents, Atchison fled from officers, first jumping from a window and then running through a northwest Atlanta apartment complex before hiding inside a closet beneath a pile of clothes. Officers, with the resident's permission, entered the unit where Atchison was hiding. Kim ordered Atchison to show his hands. When Atchison made what Kim described as a sudden movement toward his face and chest, the officer fired a single shot, killing him. Investigators later determined Atchison was unarmed. Kim said he believed Atchison was about to shoot him. The court found that belief reasonable, citing testimony from other officers and a use-of-force expert who agreed that Atchison's motion constituted a "deadly force stimulus." Prosecutors argued Kim had acted recklessly and outside protocol, but Brown concluded Kim's actions were consistent with his training and operational procedures. A Fulton County grand jury indicted Kim in December 2022. The case was moved to federal court in early 2023, and Kim's legal team sought dismissal on federal immunity grounds in March 2025. Click to open this PDF in a new window. Why you should care The shooting sparked public outcry and calls for accountability. Atchison's family maintained he was surrendering when he was shot and accused officers of using excessive force. They filed a $20 million wrongful death lawsuit in 2020. What's next Tuesday's decision effectively ends the criminal case and marks a turning point in a years-long legal battle that drew national attention and prompted a 2024 congressional investigation into federal task forces involving local officers. What we don't know Prosecutors have not said whether they will appeal the ruling. SEE ALSO: Former Atlanta officer's lawyers ask judge to drop felony murder charges Jimmy Atchinson shooting: Hearing set for ex-APD officer indicted for murder Atlanta officer requests murder case be moved to federal court Family of man killed during FBI raid celebrates murder charge against Atlanta officer, calls for conviction Former Atlanta officer indicted in 2019 shooting death of suspect during raid The Source The details in this article come from federal court records and previous FOX 5 Atlanta reporting.
ABC News
28-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Erin Patterson trial shown record of hospital admission
Erin Patterson is facing three charges of murder over the deaths of three relatives who ate a meal she prepared which contained poisonous mushrooms. ( ABC News )
Gizmodo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Boeing Strikes Deal with DOJ to Avoid Criminal Charges Over 737 Max Crashes
Boeing and the Department of Justice have reached an 'agreement in principle' that will keep the airplane manufacturer from facing criminal charges for allegedly misleading regulators about safety features on its 737 Max plane before two separate crashes that killed 346 people. The tentative deal, according to a court filing, will see Boeing pay out $1.1 billion in penalties and safety investments, as well as set aside an additional $444 million for the families of victims involved in the crashes. Boeing's payments will include $487.2 million paid as a criminal monetary penalty and $455 million to 'strengthen the Company's compliance, safety, and quality programs.' The company will also promise to 'improve the effectiveness of its anti-fraud compliance and ethics program' to hopefully avoid the whole allegedly lying to the government thing. The DOJ is also requiring Boeing's Board of Directors to meet with the families of victims to 'hear directly from them about the impact of the Company's conduct, as well as the Company's compliance, safety, and quality programs.' While the settlement will result in more money being made available to the surviving families of the victims, the resolution is not what some of the relatives were looking for. Paul Cassell, an attorney for some of the families, issued a statement earlier this week when word of the agreement started circulating: 'Although the DOJ proposed a fine and financial restitution to the victims' families, the families that I represent contend that it is more important for Boeing to be held accountable to the flying public.' The families have objected to the potential of a plea deal for some time. When the DOJ first worked toward finalizing an agreement last year, Cassell said Boeing was getting 'sweetheart' treatment. Mark Lindquist, another lawyer who represents victim families, said at the time that the deal 'fails to acknowledge that the charged crime of Conspiracy to Defraud caused the death of 346 people. This is a sore spot for victim families who want accountability and acknowledgment.' The latest deal, which appears likely to move forward, secured more money than the original agreement but still falls short of what some of the families seemed to be hoping for. A spokesperson for the Department of Justice told the Associated Press, 'Nothing will diminish the victims' losses, but this resolution holds Boeing financially accountable, provides finality and compensation for the families and makes an impact for the safety of future air travelers.' The case against Boeing stemmed from the company's alleged attempts to conceal potential safety concerns with its 737 Max aircraft during the Federal Aviation Administration's certification process. The company is accused of failing to disclose that its software system could turn the plane's nose down without pilot input based on sensor data. Faulty readings from that sensor caused two separate flights to go nose down, and pilots were unable to override it and gain control, ultimately resulting in the planes crashing. Boeing already reached one settlement with the Department of Justice over the 737 Max crashes, agreeing to pay $2.5 billion to avoid prosecution, but it violated the terms of that settlement, which opened it back up to potential charges.
Irish Times
13-05-2025
- Irish Times
Man remanded in custody after indicating he would plead guilty to dangerous driving causing death of young mother
A man was remanded in continuing custody on Tuesday after indicating he was willing to plead guilty to a charge of dangerous driving causing the death of a young mother last year. The accused, Danny O'Donoghue (42), Lower Main Street, Rathkeale, appeared before Limerick District Court on Tuesday. Mr O'Donoghue is accused of dangerous driving causing the death of 21-year old Marguerita O'Rourke, née Sheridan, of Roches Row, Rathkeale, on December 21st, 2024, and with causing criminal damage to a set of gates at the same location on the same date. The court heard that Mr O'Donoghue is also charged with threatening to kill or cause serious harm to a Patrick Sheridan; producing a machete during the course of making the alleged threat to Mr Sheridan; and causing criminal damage to Mr Sheridan's van, all on the same date, in Rathkeale. READ MORE Marguerita O'Rourke had given birth to her first child four weeks prior to her death, which occurred after she sustained serious injuries at Bank Place, Rathkeale. Mr O'Donoghue's solicitor, Michael O'Donnell, told the court Mr O'Donoghue had previously indicated he was 'prepared to offer a signed plea to dangerous driving causing death, and that is still his position'. Mr O'Donnell said Mr O'Donoghue was 'awaiting a book of evidence' in respect of the other charges, indicating the accused was planning on contesting these charges. Mr O'Donoghue has not sought bail and has been held on remand in custody since his arrest last December. Prosecuting sergeant Denis Waters, Roxboro Road Garda station, applied for and was granted a four-week adjournment, by consent. Judge Áine Clancy also granted the State a time extension on the service of a book of evidence should one be required. The judge remanded Mr O'Donoghue in continuing custody to appear before Limerick District Court, via video link, for further directions in the case, on June 10th. Ms O'Rourke and her husband, Denis, celebrated the birth of their first child together, a son, last November.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- CBS News
Seven Detroit men charged in alleged statewide auto theft ring
Tariff deal between US and China; Dundee High wrestling team under investigation; more top stories Tariff deal between US and China; Dundee High wrestling team under investigation; more top stories Tariff deal between US and China; Dundee High wrestling team under investigation; more top stories Seven men from Detroit are facing several charges in connection with an alleged statewide auto theft ring, according to police. Authorities uncovered the alleged theft ring after investigating theft at a dealership in Pinckney, Michigan, last year. In March 2024, police responded to a "suspicious situation" at the Pinckney Chrysler Dealership. When officers arrived, three vehicles took off at high speed. Officers stopped one of the vehicles, and Michigan State Police stopped another. A third driver trying to help one of the suspects was also caught. A year-long investigation revealed the statewide theft ring, which led to the Livingston County Prosecutor's Office's issuance of charges against seven people. The following men were charged: Desean Stanley, 20. Received a $500,000 cash/surety bond. Continuing Criminal Enterprise Using a Computer to Commit Crimes Conspiracy to Commit B&E with Intent Breaking and entering with Intent Conspiracy to Commit Unlawfully Driving Away an Automobile Unlawfully Driving Away an Automobile (five counts) Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in a Building Larceny in a Building Operating a Chop Shop Flee & Elude Driving With a Suspended License Reckless Driving Detroit man, 22. Conspiracy to Commit B&E Unlawfully Driving Away an Automobile (five counts) Continuing Criminal Enterprise Flee & Elude Malicious Destruction of Property over $50,000 Kristopher Hayes, 24. Received a $500,000 cash/surety bond. Continuing Criminal Enterprise Using a Computer to Commit Crimes (20 Counts) Conspiracy to Commit Breaking and Entering with Intent Breaking and entering with intent Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Driving with an Automobile Unlawfully Driving with an Automobile (5 Counts) Malicious Destruction of Property over $50K Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in a Building Larceny in a Building Habitual second offender Reckless Driving Fleeing and Eluding Detroit man, 25. Conspiracy to Commit B&E B&E Unlawfully Driving Away an Automobile (five Counts) Continuing Criminal Enterprise Fleeing and Eluding Malicious Destruction of Property over $50K Dakarai Williams, 24. Received a $500,000 cash/surety bond Conspiracy to Commit B&E Breaking and Entering Unlawfully Driving Away an Automobile (five counts) Continuing Criminal Enterprise Fleeing and Eluding Malicious Destruction of Property over $50K Detroit man, 20. Continuing Criminal Enterprise Using a Computer to Commit Crimes Conspiracy to Commit Breaking and Entering with Intent Breaking and Entering with Intent Conspiracy to Commit Unlawful Driving Away of an Automobile Unlawfully Driving Away an Automobile (five counts) Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in a Building Larceny in a Building Detroit man, 23. Accessory After the Fact to a Felony (two counts) Felony Firearm Possession of Financial Transaction Information and Personal Identifying Information (5 Counts each) Using a Computer to Commit Crimes (five counts) Lying to Police Police say the seventh suspect could not be connected to a conspiring criminal enterprise in connection with the theft in Pinckney, but other jurisdictions will be able to connect him. That suspect was also charged with five counts of financial crime and is accused of victimizing 50 people from across the country.
