STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

Trial Opens for Detroit Cop Who Killed Girl

A prosecutor has told jurors that a Detroit police officer flunked his training when he fatally shot a 7-year-old girl during a raid in 2010.

DETROIT (AP) — A prosecutor has told jurors that a Detroit police officer flunked his training when he fatally shot a 7-year-old girl during a raid in 2010.

Joseph Weekley is on trial a second time for the death of Aiyana Stanley-Jones, who was sleeping on a couch during a police search for a murder suspect. A jury couldn't reach a verdict last year on a charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Weekley says his gun went off when Aiyana's grandmother grabbed it. Mertilla Jones denies it.

There's no dispute that Aiyana's death wasn't intentional. But prosecutor Rob Moran told jurors Thursday that Weekley shouldn't have had his finger on the trigger when he and officers stormed the home.

Defense attorney Steve Fishman says Aiyana's death was an accident — not a crime.
BET National News - Keep up to date with breaking news stories from around the nation, including headlines from the hip hop and entertainment world. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter. 

(Photo: Carlos Osorio, File/AP Photo)

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.