Civil rights activists, outraged by a white police detective's
acquittal in a black teenager's death, have asked congressional black
leaders to look into race relations. The activists also
threatened demonstrations that would fill jail cells with protesters if
the police officer, McKenzie Mattingly, successfully appeals his firing
by the city's police chief. The city remained calm after Mattingly was
cleared Wednesday night of murder, manslaughter and reckless homicide
charges by a Jefferson County Circuit Court jury consisting of 10
whites and two blacks. Mattingly, 31, shot 19-year-old Michael Newby
three times in the back on Jan. 3 when an undercover drug bust went
awry. Activists said they were not surprised by the verdict, but said
it demonstrated that the justice system is not colorblind in the city.
They accused prosecutors of a halfhearted effort in the case. The
Justice Resource Center, a civil rights group headed by Coleman,
prepared a letter for the Congressional Black Caucus requesting
hearings delving into race relations in Louisville. [more]
Mayor, Chief Say Mattingly Won't Be Reinstated; Merit Board Has Final Word [more ]
Mattingly's Wanton Endangerment Charge Could Be Thrown Out Today. The
Jefferson County Commonwealth's Attorney will announce Monday whether
he plans to pursue a wanton endangerment charge against former Metro
police detective McKenzie Mattingly. A jury cleared Mattingly Wednesday
on the most serious charges against him, including murder, in the
shooting death of Michael Newby, 19, after an undercover drug deal
turned violent. [more ]
Over the past 7 Years at least 10 Black or Latino Men
have been Killed by Louisville Police. No Officers have
been Convicted [more]
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