The recent case of a deadly shooting by LMPD officers has gained national attention, and locally, many on social media are making varied claims about the case, and about the way local media have covered it. So we want to share a list of facts that we have confirmed, and answer some questions rooted in inaccurate social media posts by some members of the local community.
First, a note on our own coverage. Our resources and attention have been focused on the current global health emergency. As we’ve learned more about this case, we are dedicating additional resources to it and will continue to do so.
Now, the facts:
+ LMPD officers went to the home of Breonna Taylor on Springfield Drive on March 13 to serve a warrant related to a drug trafficking investigation.
+ LMPD officials described that warrant as a “no-knock warrant,” meaning the officers were not required to announce themselves upon arriving at Taylor’s home, but those LMPD officials said they did anyway. Taylor’s family and attorneys dispute that the officers announced themselves.
+ A shootout ensued between a suspect inside the home — Taylor’s boyfriend, Kenneth Walker — and the LMPD officers. One LMPD officer was struck, and three of them fired back. The officer who was struck was not seriously injured.
+ Walker’s name was not on the warrant.
+ Taylor was shot multiple times and died during the shootout. Walker has been charged with attempted murder of a police officer.
+ Three LMPD officers — Jon Mattingly, Brett Hankinson and Myles Cosgrove — were all placed on administrative assignment, per department protocol.
+ There is no officer body-camera video of the incident.
+ Police fired shots from the outside into the apartment through closed blinds.
+ Another suspect named on the warrant, Jamarcus Glover, was arrested at another location a short time before the police shootout at Taylor’s home, according to the arrest citation.
+ Taylor was not armed.
+ Taylor’s family has filed a civil lawsuit that states Walker thought someone was breaking into the apartment, and that’s why he fired his gun.
+ Attorneys for Taylor said neither Taylor nor Walker had a history of drugs or violence.
And here are some responses to several inaccuracies the WAVE 3 News team has seen being passed around social media:
+ Statement: Police had the wrong address
Fact: Taylor’s correct address was on the warrant, including her apartment number and pictures of the outside of her apartment and patio.
+ Statement: Breonna Taylor’s name wasn’t on the warrant
Fact: Breonna Taylor’s name was one of three peopled named on the warrant, which included her date of birth.
+ Statement: Police should have knocked and announced themselves before entering the home
Fact: The warrant was a “no-knock” warrant, meaning officers were not required to announce themselves before making entry. Again, LMPD says the officers did announce themselves, but Taylor’s attorneys dispute that claim.
+ Statement: Breonna Taylor was shot while sleeping in her bedroom