The indictment of Ricky Anderson was handed down by a grand jury on Friday, as reported by ABC News, 10TV, and CNN.
Ricky Anderson is facing murder and reckless homicide charges for the fatal shooting of Donovan Lewis, an unarmed 20-year-old Black man, who was killed in his bed during a police operation last year
The incident occurred on August 30, 2022, when officers were executing a search warrant at Lewis’ apartment. Lewis had outstanding felony charges, including domestic violence, assault, and improper handling of a firearm. According to police body camera footage, Ricky Anderson opened Lewis’ bedroom door and immediately shot him, despite Lewis being asleep in bed. Ricky Anderson later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.
The shooting sparked an investigation by state authorities, who concluded that Lewis’ death was a homicide. Ricky Anderson was initially placed on administrative leave but later resigned from the police force, as reported by 10TV.
Lewis’s mother, Rebecca Duran, expressed her grief over losing her son, emphasizing that he should still be alive
Duran’s attorneys welcomed the grand jury’s decision to charge Ricky Anderson, stating that the body camera footage clearly showed the officer’s violation of the law.
In response to a civil suit filed by Lewis’ family against Ricky Anderson and the other officers involved in the raid, the family argued that the body camera footage contradicted any claims of Lewis posing a threat to the officers. CNN reported that Lewis never extended or raised his arm as if holding a weapon.
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Ricky Anderson has entered a plea in response to the charges. Last year, Ricky Anderson’s attorney, Mark Collins, defended the officer’s actions, highlighting the challenges officers face in rapidly evolving and dangerous situations.
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