Amber Guyger, the ex-cop of Dallas who was convicted in October of murdering her unarmed black neighbor, Botham Jean, is serving her ten-year prison sentence.
Guyger has claimed she escaped into self-defense in 2018 when she pushed open door to Jean’s apartment – one floor above her own – in the false belief that it was her own. She found Jean on his own couch, watching TV and eating ice cream.
Her lawyers claim there was not enough evidence to fully convict her of murder, according to CNN.
“She had the right to act in lethal force in self-defense because her belief that lethal force was immediately necessary under the circumstances was reasonable,” her lawyers argued in the appeal.
The higher appeal follows Dallas Police President Mike Mata’s undisputed accusation of manipulating evidence in the case.
Attorneys for Jean’s family also issued a statement, through their attorney, expressing their disappointment at the appeal.
“After acknowledging her crime and asking the Botham Jean family for mercy – Guyger’s actions in filing this appeal reflect one who is not remorseful, but instead hopes to play on the sympathy of the families on the moment they were most vulnerable. “
The statement added, “The jury was instructed on self-defense prior to consultation and they have dismissed the defense well and found Guyger guilty of murdering one.”
Guyger’s lawyers have called for the appeal to be heard through oral argument. A hearing is not scheduled.
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