Detroit Officer Charged In 7-Year-Old’s Death
Joseph Weekley, the officer who is responsible for the shooting death of 7-year-old Aiyana Jones during a botched raid last May, has been indicted on involuntary manslaughter charges.
The death of Jones sparked controversy nationwide after the girl was killed when Detroit officers (shadowed by the A&E television show The First 48) burst into the home of the girl’s mother to serve a warrant.
According to police they tossed a flash grenade through the window and kick down the front door.
Officers contend that Weekley’s firearm discharged accidently after he was bumped by the girl’s grandmother, killing Aiyana.
The case has brought to light the trouble with pairing film crews with law enforcement.
Prosecutors announced, Tuesday (October 4), that the show’s principal photographer, Allison Howard, was also indicted on perjury and obstruction of justice charges for showing or “giving” footage of the raid to third parties.
Both her and Weekley pleaded not guilty.
Weekly could be facing a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted on the involuntary manslaughter charges.
He was also charged with careless discharge of a firearm causing death.
