A Florida deputy has been cleared of using excessive force in a 2014 police shooting in St. Lucie County, with the jury ruling last week that St. Lucie County Deputy Christopher Newman did not violate Gregory Hill Jr.’s civil rights.
In a serious turning of the tables, the jury placed 99 percent of the blame on Hill, finding SLCSO’s Sheriff -Ken Mascara- only marginally responsible for the killing.
Hill, a father of three and Coca-Cola employee, was killed after lawmen encountered him carrying a firearm under the influence.
Newman claimed that he fired his service pistol four times through the home’s garage door after seeing Hill with a firearm as he closed the garage door. A firearm was later found in Hill’s back pocket.
SLCSO stated that their deputy was placed in a very difficult situation” and “made the best decision he could for the safety of his partner, himself, and the public, given the circumstances he faced.”
According to CBS News, Hill’s family was awarded $4 in the aftermath of the incident and the Hill family attorney claims his clients will likely appeal.
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