Former Las Cruces police officer Brad Lunsford was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in the fatal shooting of a Black man during a confrontation at a New Mexico gas station. The shooting occurred after police responded to a call about a stolen beer. The officer shot the man in the back of the head at point-blank range.
Key Points
Former police officer found guilty of voluntary manslaughter in fatal shooting of Black man
Officer's actions deemed an egregious abuse of power
Prosecutors linked the case to systematic brutality against Black people by law enforcement
Pros
Justice served in holding an officer accountable for fatal shooting
Cons
Loss of life in a situation involving poor police tactics