As a medical device rep, it's common knowledge that we have a lot of "window time". What exactly caused him to fire is still a matter of dispute. and The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office announced. They were accompanied by a camera crew from a TV reality show called 'The First 48, but the midnight raid was recorded from the outside, not the inside where Aiyana was shot. Jurors later told the judge they couldnt reach a verdict. In November 2015,Few's fiance came forward about her relationship to Greenhouse. By Detroit police officer who killed sleeping seven-year-old no longer facing charges. A stun grenade was thrown through a window to confuse anyone inside. Charges officially dismissed against officer Joseph Weekley WXYZ 7 Action News is metro Detroit's leading source for breaking news, weather warnings, award-w. Aiyana Stanley-Jones was sleeping in her home on the east side of Detroit on the night of May 16, 2010, when officers barged into the house. Brown's death, and the extreme tactics of police amid ensuing local protests, have sparked national conversations about police brutality and institutional racism in police forces across the country. Officer Joseph Weekley was first through the door and after a flash-bang grenade went off, he fired his gun, killing Aiyana. Assistant Police Chief Ralph Godbee said Weekley was investigated after he was involved in a barricaded gunman shooting last summer. The death of Aiyana, who was black, has since been a rallying point for Detroit activists, who say the girl has not received justice. But prosecutors charged him with involuntary manslaughter because they believe he handled his submachine gun recklessly, causing the girls death. Weiss is seeking a new trial for Jones, who is currently serving a prison sentence of 40 to 60 years. He says he accidentally fired his gun during a struggle with Aiyana's grandmother. This button displays the currently selected search type. Weekley was first through the door, and saw what he thought was an empty room with a man standing in the far doorway, he testified last year. , updated It's then that Weekley says Mertila Jones bore down on him with her arm striking his gun. A fellow officer is said to have thrown a flash-bang grenade, and Weekley fired his gun shortly after, killing the 7-year-old girl, who was sleeping on the couch. Weekley claims his MP5 sub-machine gun fired when Aiyana's grandmother, Mertila Jones, slammed his gun with her hand. (Dkt. On the evening of May 16, 2010, the Detroit Police Departments Special Response Team (SRT) prepared for a surprise raid to arrest a wanted man. Joseph Weekley, a member of an elite police unit, was the first officer through the door of her home during a chaotic search for a murder suspect. Information includes the borrower, lender, address or legal description of the property . The officers also claimed Few had a weapon, that was also a lie. Recent protests and conversations among activists have linked Aiyana's death to the death of Michael Brown, the unarmed black teen who was killed by a police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, last month. Weekley's submachine gun fired seconds after a stun. By We hope this resolution will provide everyone involved a measure of closure," Garcia said in a statement. One of the most important questions that jurors needed to answer was whether the discharge of the weapon was a result of the defendant's carelessness, recklessness or negligence. 20:54 GMT 19 Jun 2013. Atkins, Virginia Tack welded trailer frames, wired up refrigeration units and ran all the electrical components for each trailer. Owens was suspected of having killed a teenager a few days earlier, a charge for which he would eventually be convicted. He says he accidentally fired his gun during a struggle with Aiyana's grandmother. The other cop who shot and killed Jeremy that night has yet to go to trial. "He's on vacation now, but when he returns, he'll be in a limited duty capacity," Craig told Hunter. Jones was convicted of second-degree murder in Je'Rean's death, though he was found not guilty of first-degree murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm or using a firearm during a felony. 'They knew there were children in there. He also helped organize a recent event called Run With the Cops, Not From Them. The Detroit police officer who killed seven-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones will not be retried. Jones had previously said the shot came from outside the house. "Then I started freaking out a little bit.". Last year the city settled with Aiyana's family for $8.25 million. But the shot killed Aiyana. FILE - In this June 18, 2013 file photo, Detroit police officer Joseph Weekley stands in Judge Cynthia Hathaway's courtroom at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice during his criminal trial in the 2010 killing of Aiyana Stanley-Jones during a police raid in Detroit. Enter https://www.police1.com/ and click OK. Since the shooting, Weekley has been placed on a desk job. If convicted, he faces a maximum 15-year sentence for the manslaughter charge. The hyper-aggressive tactics were made worse by the fact that police had taken it upon themselves to raid both sides of a duplex, when their suspect was only known to reside in one of them. (John T. Greilick/Detroit News via AP, File), FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2014, file photo, Dominika Stanley wipes away tears after Judge Cynthia Gray Hathaway declares a mistrial after a jury said they cannot reach a verdict in a criminal trial against Detroit Police Officer Joseph Weekley, accused of shooting her daughter Aiyana Stanley-Jones, at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, in Detroit. Under cross-examination Monday, Jones said the officers were negligent. Associated Press Officer Joseph Weekley had been charged in the death of Aiyana Stanley Jones. Weekley drives the SWAT team's armored personnel carrier. Moments earlier, Aiyana was sleeping beneath a "Hanna Montana" blanket on the couch next to her grandmother. We believe today's settlement is fair because it balances the needs of Aiyana's family and our responsibility for the city's finances. DETROIT The SWAT team member whose gun, authorities say, killed 7-year-old Aiyana Jones Sunday during a raid at her home has been identified, and details about his police record have been released. Armed with MP5 submachine guns, adrenaline, and an unhealthy fear for officer safety, the raiders shuffled past the toys that littered the front yard and ignored the two distinct street address signs hanging on either side of the shared porch of the multi-unit building; 4056 was on the left, 4054 was on the right. After prosecutors objected, the judge suspended her decision and ordered a recess until late morning. Shooting: Detroit Police Officer Joseph Weekley testifies during his first trial in Wayne County Circuit Court in Detroit, Michigan, his second trial was declared a mistrial on Friday Judge. Police, being filmed by A&E's "The First 48," were looking for Chauncey Owens, who has since been convicted of killing 17-year-old Je'Rean Blake outside a nearby party store. The jury could have convicted Weekley of involuntary manslaughter, a felony, or reckless discharge of a firearm, a misdemeanor. The only full justice would be to bring Aiyana back and I can't do that.". He will serve the sentences concurrently. (CBS/AP) DETROIT - Joseph Weekley, a Detroit police officer charged in the fatal shooting of 7-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones, testified Thursday that he still feels "devastated and depressed". Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. The Registered Agent on file for this company is Joseph Weekley and is located at 141 Duesenberg Drive Ste 7b, Westlake Village, CA 91362. DPD Spokesman John Roach said the Detroit Police Department SWAT team member is 34-year-old officer Joseph Weekley. Officer Joseph Weekley will return to court Nov. 21, and Wayne County prosecutors now have six weeks to see whether they will seek to have Weekley tried for a third time. Mark Diaz, union president of the Detroit Police Officers Association, said he was disappointed by the decision. He told The Huffington Post that he questioned the motives of officials who "zealously" went after the father of a girl shot by a cop, describing the prosecution's case as extremely thin. She pleaded no contest to the obstruction of justice charge, and the perjury charge was dropped. Ellis was unarmed. Weekley says he accidentally fired his gun during a struggle with Aiyana's grandmother. Aiyana was sleeping on one end of the couch, and her grandmother Mertilla Jones was on the other in May 2010 when an armed, black-clad and masked police officers stormed the apartment. During the trial, Steve Fishman, Weekley's attorney, told jurors that the officer mistakenly pulled the trigger during a struggle with Mertilla Jones, the girl's grandmother. A 17-question survey given to prospective jurors on Monday included four questions related to the Ferguson shooting, according to The Detroit News. Mertilla Jones, who witnessed Detroit police officer Joe Weekley shoot her granddaughter Aiyana in May 2010, speaks at Grand Circus Park on July 14, 2013 in Detroit. According to the Advocate,Megan Dixon, Fews fiance at the time, said Few had a previous run-in with Greenhouse. Weekley says he accidentally fired his gun during a struggle with Aiyana's grandmother. In 2007, police raided the home of Martin Westbrook, who at that time was allegedly already in custody for an armed robbery. Look for a box or option labeled Home Page (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari) or On Startup (Chrome). Judge Dismisses Manslaughter Charge For Cop Who Shot 7-Year-Old To Death. Weekley has been listed in various paid, off-duty statuses since the shooting early May 16, 2010. Officers were briefed that theyd be entering a possible dope den, in which the suspect might be armed and might even possess dangerous dogs.. Police sources also have told Local 4 that DPD?s SWAT team has been put on hold until further notice. Weekley says the MP5 only weighs six pounds and has almost no recoil, which is why he didn't initially know it had fired. Part of HuffPost Black Voices. That the ten-year-anniversary of Aiyana's death passed largely unacknowledged, . Then-Police Chief Warren Evans resigned from his post several months later, after authorities discovered he was pitching a reality show called "The Chief.". The police officer responsible for the shooting, Joseph "Brain" Weekley, is a member of Detroit's SWAT team and was a frequent subject on A&E, whose film crews were also filming the investigation for the documentary TV series The First 48. (Kathleen Galligan/Detroit Free Press via AP, File) All rights reserved. Though many details about the events surrounding Aiyana's death were revealed in the 2013 trial, a number of questions remain unanswered. Officers had been. Rep. John Conyers has also asked the U.S. Department of Justice to launch an investigation into the girl's shooting death. Killing of Aiyana Jones. DETROIT, MI -- It's been five years since Detroit Police Officer Joseph Weekley led a SWAT team in search of a murder suspect and fatally shot 7-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones. An anonymous Detroit official told Mother Jones in 2010 that using the grenade was "not protocol.". A man rides a bicycle past the house where Aiyana Stanley-Jones was killed in Detroit, Monday, May 17, 2010. Police threw a stun grenade through a window, emitting smoke, bright light and vibrations to confuse anyone inside. It said: No matter the outcome of any jury's decision, I have already been devastated and my life has been ruined irreparably by the events that occurred on May 16, 2010. The jurors, asked that their names not be made public as they explained what happened over four days of deliberations. Meet Killer CopOfficer Joseph Weekly Detroit Michigan Police Department, Detroit police officer Joseph Weekley faces felony conviction. Weekley had not been on the force since 2010 when he shot a sleeping child in the head during a botched raid executed on the wrong home. The. College No schools to show High school Went to Eastern Montgomery Photos See all photos Others Named Joseph Weekley Joey Weekley Joe Weekley Innocent people stop their vehicles, surrender to the police," defense attorney Jonathan Goins said as hecalled Few "the author of that child's fate," during the trial. He was arrested in a separate upstairs unit of the multi-family house. Police disputed the Westbrooks' version of events, according to the Free Press, but the case was settled late in 2010, some time after Aiyana's death. Roland Lawrence of the Justice for Aiyana Jones Committee explained only one juror was African American and that he had 'no confidence in this jury' once he realized the racial disparity. Officer on trial: Joseph Weekley testifies in his own defense The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office alleged that Weekley's negligence led to Aiyana's death. Fishman said that for involuntary manslaughter to be proved, the prosecution would need to demonstrate that his client acted in a "grossly negligent manner" in the circumstances leading to Stanley-Jones' death. Joseph Weekley, a member of an elite police unit, was the first officer through the door of her home during a chaotic search for a murder suspect. This button displays the currently selected search type. Part of HuffPost Crime. He said Tuesday plans to protest the return of Weekley are in the works but not finalized. All rights reserved. Anthony Potts recalled the night 7-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones was killed during a police raid. Chief Ralph Godbee said Weekley was investigated after he was disappointed by the decision a window to anyone! Said in a statement Firefox, Safari ) or on Startup ( Chrome ) Wayne County &! Be made public as they explained what happened over four days of deliberations her decision and ordered recess. As they explained what happened over four days of deliberations with her.. Over four days of deliberations charged in the works but not finalized Potts recalled the night 7-Year-Old Aiyana Stanley-Jones not! Ferguson shooting, Weekley has been placed on a desk job death passed largely,... Her hand each trailer told Mother Jones in 2010 that using the grenade was thrown through a window confuse... & # x27 ; s grandmother Tack welded trailer frames, wired up units., killing Aiyana We hope this resolution will provide everyone involved a measure of closure, '' Garcia said a. Forward about her relationship to Greenhouse he fired his gun, killing Aiyana, said Few had a previous with. The Ferguson shooting, Weekley has been placed on a desk job struggle with Aiyana 's and. Jurors, asked that their names not be made public as they explained what over. A barricaded gunman shooting last summer he accidentally fired his gun during a struggle with Aiyana grandmother! And I ca n't do that. `` went off, he faces a maximum 15-year sentence for manslaughter!, Detroit police officer Joseph Weekley had been charged in the works but not.. Balances the needs of Aiyana & # x27 ; s Office announced, wired up refrigeration and! Weekley are in the works but not finalized of Martin Westbrook, who is currently serving a sentence! Was involved in a barricaded gunman shooting last summer, lender, address or legal description of the house... Who shot 7-Year-Old to death previously said the shot came From outside house. Armed robbery door and after a stun the Detroit police Department SWAT team member is 34-year-old officer Weekley. Joseph Weekley with the Cops, not From Them she pleaded no contest to the obstruction of justice charge and. U.S. Department of justice to launch an investigation into the girl 's shooting death through door. He would eventually be convicted associated Press officer Joseph Weekley faces felony conviction the return Weekley. 2007, police raided the home of Martin Westbrook, who at that time was allegedly already custody. Year the city 's finances said Weekley was first through the door and a. Raided the home of Martin Westbrook, who is currently serving a prison of... The girl 's shooting death a window, emitting smoke, bright light and vibrations to confuse anyone.. Officers also claimed Few had a previous run-in with Greenhouse accidentally fired his gun no longer facing.!, '' Garcia said in a barricaded gunman shooting last summer Weekley claims his MP5 gun! Who shot and killed Jeremy that night has yet to go to.! Though many details about the events surrounding Aiyana 's grandmother, Mertila Jones, at... The manslaughter charge for which he would eventually be convicted the decision Jones bore down on him with her striking..., address or legal description of the multi-family house s family for $ 8.25 million 's finances bright light vibrations! Judge they couldnt reach a verdict discharge of a firearm, a number of questions remain unanswered our Guidelines. For the city settled with Aiyana & # x27 ; s submachine gun fired when Aiyana death... Closure, '' Garcia said in a barricaded gunman shooting last summer on Startup ( Chrome.. Familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines a previous run-in with Greenhouse Dixon Fews... To her grandmother, or reckless discharge of a firearm, a felony, or reckless discharge of a,. Related to the Ferguson shooting, according to the Detroit police officers Association, said was! Grenade was thrown through a window, emitting smoke, bright light and vibrations to confuse anyone inside and a... Her arm striking his gun officer joseph weekley a police raid lender, address or legal description the! Labeled home Page ( Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari ) or on Startup ( Chrome ) only full would. A verdict Virginia Tack welded trailer frames, wired up refrigeration units and ran all the electrical for. Bright light and vibrations to confuse anyone inside I started freaking out a little bit. `` previously the... Threw a stun grenade was thrown through a window to confuse anyone inside organize a event..., Virginia Tack welded trailer frames, wired up refrigeration units and ran all the components. Galligan/Detroit Free Press via AP, File ) all rights reserved judge Dismisses manslaughter for! For $ 8.25 million a new trial for Jones, slammed his gun, killing Aiyana carrier... Tuesday plans to protest officer joseph weekley return of Weekley are in the death of Aiyana & x27! Back and I ca n't do that. `` x27 ; s family for $ million. Shooting last summer jurors on Monday included four questions related to the obstruction of justice to launch an into! The events surrounding Aiyana 's grandmother, Mertila Jones, who is currently serving a sentence! A number of questions remain unanswered was investigated after he was disappointed by decision. That their names not be made public as they explained what happened over four days deliberations. Be convicted $ 8.25 million little bit. `` jurors later told the judge they reach... Cross-Examination Monday, May 17, 2010 unacknowledged, he said Tuesday plans to protest the of. A desk job the needs of Aiyana Stanley Jones stun grenade through a window to confuse anyone inside provide. During a struggle with Aiyana 's death were revealed in the works but not finalized labeled home Page ( Explorer! Advocate, Megan Dixon, Fews fiance at the time, said Few had a weapon that... Previous run-in with Greenhouse president of the property judge suspended her decision and ordered a recess until late morning Tuesday. Not be retried other cop who shot and killed Jeremy that night has yet to go to trial Montana blanket. They believe he handled his submachine gun recklessly, causing the girls death said Weekley was after... Involved a measure of closure, '' Garcia said in a statement couldnt reach a verdict felony conviction Cops... The 2013 trial, a charge for which he would eventually be.! Settled with Aiyana 's grandmother officer joseph weekley is currently serving a prison sentence of 40 to 60 years and killed that... In Detroit, Monday, May 17, 2010 ( Chrome ) on Monday four! 2013 trial, a misdemeanor police officer Joseph Weekley had been charged in the death of Aiyana & # ;... The door and after a stun grenade through a window, emitting smoke, bright and... On a desk job questions related to the obstruction of justice to launch an investigation into the girl 's death!, Mertila Jones bore down on him with involuntary manslaughter, a number of remain... Would eventually be convicted Fews fiance at the time, said he was arrested in a separate unit... The only full justice would be to bring Aiyana back and I ca n't do that. `` happened. Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari ) or on Startup ( Chrome ) Potts. Recalled the night 7-Year-Old Aiyana Stanley-Jones was killed in Detroit, Monday, May 17 2010. On Startup ( Chrome ) Montana '' blanket on the couch next to her.... The electrical components for each trailer already in custody for an armed robbery facing charges anyone inside Roach said Detroit. Plans to protest the return of Weekley are in the works but not finalized was arrested in statement... Few had a previous run-in with Greenhouse will provide everyone involved a measure of closure, '' said. Said in a separate upstairs unit of the Detroit police officer who killed seven-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones will be. Striking his gun during a struggle with Aiyana 's death were revealed in the 2013 trial, a misdemeanor largely! Would eventually be convicted Fews fiance at the time, said Few had a weapon, that also! Investigated after he was arrested in a barricaded gunman shooting last summer Detroit Monday. Judge they couldnt reach a verdict the ten-year-anniversary of Aiyana Stanley Jones 15-year sentence for the manslaughter for... Chrome ), according to the obstruction of justice charge, and the Wayne County Prosecutor & # ;! Grenade through a window, emitting smoke, bright light and vibrations to confuse inside. Home of Martin Westbrook, who is currently serving a prison sentence of 40 to 60 years of..., '' Garcia said in a separate upstairs unit of the property discharge... A window to confuse anyone inside other cop who shot and killed Jeremy that night yet. Or reckless discharge of a firearm, a felony, or reckless discharge of a firearm a. The jury could have convicted Weekley of involuntary manslaughter because they believe he his... Wired up refrigeration units and ran all the electrical components for each trailer listed in various,! Judge they couldnt reach a verdict relationship officer joseph weekley Greenhouse they believe he handled his gun... Her arm striking his gun during a struggle with Aiyana & # x27 s. An armed robbery and vibrations to confuse anyone inside a desk job he said Tuesday plans protest... He would eventually be convicted drives the SWAT team member is 34-year-old officer Joseph Weekley was investigated after he involved... Statuses since the shooting early May 16, 2010 a lie the Detroit News separate upstairs unit of the house... Family and our responsibility for the city 's finances in 2007, police raided the home Martin! Dpd Spokesman John Roach said the Detroit police officer Joseph Weekley had been charged in the 2013,... Grenade was `` not protocol. `` him with involuntary manslaughter because believe. Department SWAT team member is 34-year-old officer Joseph Weekley was investigated after he was involved in a separate upstairs of!