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VERDICT NEARS FOR WHITE OFFICER ACCUSED OF SHOOTING UNARMED BLACK MAN; OAKLAND PREPARES FOR POSSIBLE RIOTS ? CALIFORNIA PENAL CODE SECTION 189, PENAL CODE SECTION 192(A), (B)

By Walin & Klarich

On July 2, 2010, the city of Oakland, California, prepares itself for possible rioting as the trial of a white police officer accused of murdering an unarmed black man draws to a close. On January 1, 2009, Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer Johannes Mehserle, 28, shot Oscar Grant after passengers accused Grant and others of fighting on a train. Mehserle claimed that he had meant to subdue Grant with a Taser, but accidentally drew and fired his handgun instead, killing Grant. Mehserle may be convicted of second degree murder, voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, or could be found not guilty. (California Penal Code sections 189, 192(a), (b).) Closing arguments concluded July 2, 2010. The jury began deliberating that afternoon. The trial has gained significant public interest...continue to full post

Full post as published by Southern California Criminal Defense Blog on July 06, 2010 (boomark / email).