A Chance at Justice: Officer in Ramarley Graham Killing Indicted
http://www.ny1.com/content/news_beats/criminal_justice/162929/nypd-officer-to-surrender-in-bronx-teen-s-shooting-death
NEW YORK (AP) — A New York Police Department officer has been indicted in the shooting in February of an unarmed man who was pursued into his Bronx home amid a crackdown on street corner drug dealing, according to a law enforcement official.
Officer Richard Haste, 30, is to surrender Wednesday morning to face manslaughter charges in the death of 18-year-old Ramarley Graham, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity Monday because the indictment hadn’t been made public.
Investigators say the teen was trying to flush marijuana down the toilet when he was shot in the chest by Haste. No weapon was ever found.
People who spoke with NY1 in Graham’s neighborhood say they’re relieved by the indictment.
“It’s good to know that they brought him to trial – at least. Because he did go into his home and killed him,” said one neighbor.
“So many black youths have been killed and all of that – without any justice. And I guess this serves as some kind of notice,” said another.
Graham’s family says they will not comment until the indictment is unsealed tomorrow.
In a statement, Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association President Pat Lynch said he expects Haste to be exonerated at trial.
