Here We Go Again: Former Officer Will Not Be Charged In Dontre Hamilton Shooting

In light of the jury decision?last month not?to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown, a?fervent?anti-police sentiment has spread across the country. Protesters are speaking out against police tactics and preaching that “Black Lives Matter.” The tense situation only grew worse?with the?recent?chokehold death of Eric Garner and shooting of a 12-year-old boy in Cleveland. All three of these deaths were committed by white police officers against black citizens.

In the latest development in this string of police killings and unpopular jury decisions, it was announced Monday morning that former Milwaukee officer Christopher Manney will not face charges for the?April shooting of Dontre Hamilton.

Dontre Hamilton and Christopher Manney. Photo: Today's TMJ4
Dontre Hamilton and Christopher Manney. Photo: Today’s TMJ4

Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm determined that Manney’s use of force was justified as a means of self-defense.?Manney shot Hamilton 14 times on April 30 during a confrontation at Red Arrow Park.

Chisholm has released a 25-page report plus various appendixes explaining the reasoning behind his decision.

?This was a tragic incident for the Hamilton family and for the community,? Chisholm wrote. ?But, based on all the evidence and analysis presented in this report, I come to the conclusion that Officer Manney’s use of force in this incident was justified self-defense.?

District Attorney John Chisholm. Photo: Urban Milwaukee
District Attorney John Chisholm. Photo: Urban Milwaukee

Police Chief Edward Flynn said the 38-year-old officer, a 13-year veteran of the department, was?dispatched to?Red Arrow Park on April 30?after receiving a call?in regards to a suspect. When Manney arrived to the park that fateful day, he found Hamilton laying on the ground.

Flynn said the officer helped the suspect to his feet and began patting him down before a struggle ensued. In an effort to subdue Hamilton, Manney pulled out his wooden baton. In the midst of the struggle, Hamilton grabbed the baton from Manney and began to beat the officer in the head and neck.

“The officer withdrew his sidearm and fired several shots at the individual, striking him numerous times and ultimately causing his death,” Flynn said at a news conference in April.

Reacting Monday to Chisholm’s decision, Flynn said the district attorney?”put an extraordinary amount of thought into it” and came to a decision “deeply rooted in law and precedent.”

According to Chrisholm’s report, Manney told state investigators that?”he feared Hamilton would attack him with the baton and that he ‘would be dead’ as a result.”

Hamilton’s?family has said he received treatment for schizophrenia but was not violent.

“[Manney] massacred my brother. He stood there and looked at him. He sized him up. And he killed him with hate,” Nathaniel Hamilton told protesters at the courthouse Monday afternoon.”

Nathaniel’s passionate speech can be seen here.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker has said he’s prepared to call in the National Guard if protests get out of hand.

The anger that has been expressed by the city of Milwaukee and citizens around the nation have prompted Milwaukee officials to start making changes.

Five City Council members detailed a plan Tuesday that includes creating a community advisory panel and completing a re-evaluation of??officers’ diversity training.

On Monday afternoon, U.S. Attorney James Santelle issued a statement that the U.S. Department of Justice will?review the case individually to determine whether any federal civil rights laws were violated.

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Alecia Pasdera is a recent college graduate from Wisconsin who is currently working as a copy editor in Kentucky. Her academic background is in journalism and communication. Alecia sees a lot of problems with the world today, and although she doesn’t have the power to change them singlehandedly, she does have the power to write about them and raise awareness. It’s her belief that education and knowledge are the strongest tools in making tomorrow a better world for everyone. You can follow her personal blog at allthingsgrowingup.weebly.com.

I had a successful career actively working with at-risk youth, people struggling with poverty and unemployment, and disadvantaged and oppressed populations. In 2011, I made the decision to pursue my dreams and become a full-time writer. Connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.