The former Atlanta police officer charged with felony murder in the Rayshard Brooks murder earlier this month was released on parole on Tuesday, meaning he will have limited freedom as his case progresses.
Garrett Rolfe will face a nightly curfew at 6 p.m., has to turn in his passport and cannot have contact with Atlanta police officers, said Fulton County Superior Court Judge Jane Barwick. You will also have an ankle monitor. The bonus was set at $ 500,000.
Rolfe, seen in a security video opening fire on Brooks after the 27-year-old fled with a police Taser, was fired and faces charges including serious murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, criminal property damage, and rape. of the oath.
His attorney argues that the shooting was justified and that Rolfe was defending his life and the deadly safety of others in the area, even when the Brooks family’s attorney, L. Chris Stewart, said a missed police round hit the occupied vehicle. from a third in the Wendy’s restaurant parking lot where Brooks was shot dead.
During today’s hearing, Tomika Miller, widow of Rayshard Brooks, made a tearful statement and asked the court to deny bail: “My husband did not deserve to die. And he should not have to wait in fear while waiting for the person he killed. my husband to be tried in court. “
Stewart and fellow attorney Justin Miller said in a joint statement that while the family was disappointed, “they understand that this is only one step in Rayshard’s long search for justice.”
“It is imperative that we continue to push for systemic change within our criminal justice system,” the duo said. “From passing hate crime laws to increasing oversight of members of law enforcement, our job is to ensure that positive changes come from this tragic situation.”
Brooks was shot dead while fleeing Rolfe and fellow officer Devin Brosnan, who was placed on administrative leave and faces charges of aggravated assault and violation of oath while cooperating with investigators. Brooks was shot twice in the back and his death has been declared a homicide.
The victim was questioned for more than 25 minutes about allegedly driving under the influence that night. Police were called to Wendy’s after Brooks was apparently seen sleeping behind the wheel of a vehicle in the restaurant’s restaurant.
Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard said Howard said that after the shooting, Rolfe said, “Got it.” Howard alleges that Brosnan stood on Brooks’ body after the shooting and that Rolfe kicked the victim’s body.
The murder sparked renewed protests for racial justice following the death of George Floyd. Brooks is black. The two accused men are white.
Brooks was the father of three daughters and a stepson.
