Amber Guyger, the Dallas police officer who authorities say shot and killed a man in his own home, has now been indicted on a murder charge.
Amber Guyger, the former Dallas police officer who authorities say shot and killed a man in his own home, has now been indicted on a murder charge.
On Sept. 6, Guyger claimed she shot 26-year-old Botham Jean in self-defense, mistaking him for an intruder.
At the time, Guyger said she thought she was at her own apartment. Instead, she was at Jean’s door. The two were neighbors in the same complex. Jean lived directly above Guyger.
Three days after the shooting, Guyger was arrested and charged with manslaughter. On Sept. 24, the Dallas Police Department fired Guyger. It was the same day Jean was buried in his native St. Lucia.
After hearing more evidence Friday, a grand jury chose to indict Guyger on the more serious charge of murder.
Jean’s father, Bertrum Jean said of the upgraded charge, “We are not really happy. But we take consolation, we take comfort at this time.”
Guyger's lawyer, Robert Rogers said, "This is a terrible tragedy that resulted from a true mistake. We are confident that a dispassionate jury in a fair forum will find Amber not guilty."
Jean’s family has filed a federal civil lawsuit against Guyger and the city of Dallas.
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