The former Fort Worth police officer who shot and killed a woman in her own home is being charged with murder. Aaron Dean was booked into Tarrant County jail – and has subsequently been released after posting bond.
Dean resigned from the Fort Worth Police Department yesterday following a weekend shooting that left Atatiana Jefferson dead. Apparently, Fort Worth Interim Police Chief Ed Kraus was set to meet with Dean, and intended to fire him...but Dean resigned before he could do so.
As we told you before, Dean and other officers responded to Jefferson's home early Saturday morning after a neighbor called for a welfare check. Jefferson was playing a video game with her nephew when she was killed. Video showed Dean never announced himself as a police officer...and between the time he called to see her hands and fired? Less than six-tenths of a second.
Jefferson’s family is "relieved" Dean has been charged with murder and say they hope to see a "vigorous prosecution and appropriate sentencing." They also want an investigation of the department itself saying the city of Fort Worth has to reform "a brutal culture of policing."
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price is apologizing to the family and promised not only an investigation – but an external review panel that promises transparency.
Source: Dallas Morning News