Police jury decides against charging ex-Atlanta police officer in fatal shooting of church deacon

Police jury decides against charging ex-Atlanta police officer in fatal shooting of church deacon

Atlanta Police Officer Cleared in Fatal Struggle, Family Pursues Civil Litigation

In a controversial case that has sparked debates on police accountability, a Fulton County grand jury declined to indict former Atlanta police officer Kiran Kimbrough on charges related to the 2023 death of Johnny Hollman Sr., a church deacon [1][4][5].

The incident occurred following a minor traffic accident, where Hollman, aged 62, became agitated when Kimbrough tried to issue a citation. A physical struggle ensued, captured on body camera footage, during which Kimbrough wrestled Hollman to the ground and deployed his Taser [1][2][4].

The Fulton County Medical Examiner ruled Hollman’s death a homicide caused by cardiac dysrhythmia triggered by the Taser, with heart disease also a contributing factor [5]. Hollman repeatedly said, “I can’t breathe” during the struggle [2][5].

Despite these findings, the grand jury did not find sufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against Kimbrough [5]. His attorney, Lance LoRusso, stated that Hollman’s death resulted from medical complications and Hollman’s unlawful resistance, not from Kimbrough’s actions [1][2].

The Atlanta Police Department fired Kimbrough following the incident. He appealed his termination through the city’s Civil Service Board, but the dismissal was upheld, and he further appealed in Fulton County Superior Court [2].

Hollman’s family expressed devastation and criticized the lack of criminal accountability. They have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit alleging excessive force and constitutional rights violations and previously received a $3.8 million settlement from the city [3][5].

The family's lawyers released a statement expressing their disappointment with the grand jury’s decision not to indict. Additionally, the family sued the tow truck driver and his employer, alleging that the driver straddled Hollman's head and neck for at least 20 seconds and appeared to "sit with his full body weight" on Hollman's head and neck [5].

Body camera video shows Kimbrough repeatedly demanding that Hollman sign the citation, with Hollman insisting he did nothing wrong. Atlanta officials fired Kimbrough for not agreeing to Hollman’s request to speak to a supervisor [5].

Hollman died after refusing to sign a citation following the wreck. The family has repeatedly called for Kimbrough to be criminally charged [5]. In response to the incident, the Atlanta Police Department updated its procedures regarding use of force during traffic stops [5].

The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing discussions surrounding police accountability and the use of force in such situations. The family's pursuit of civil litigation continues as they seek justice for Johnny Hollman Sr.

[1] Atlanta Journal-Constitution. (2023, October 12). Atlanta police officer won't face charges in death of Johnny Hollman Sr. Retrieved from https://www.ajc.com/news/local/atlanta-police-officer-won-t-face-charges-in-death-of-johnny-hollman-sr/GXKGJKZ3Q5FG44JT7L5556RJ3U/

[2] WSB-TV. (2023, October 12). Atlanta police officer fired in death of Johnny Hollman Sr. won't face criminal charges. Retrieved from https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/atlanta-police-officer-fired-in-death-of-johnny-hollman-sr-wont-face-criminal-charges/JP45Y7W545B3H7TQJ534BWZ5QQ/

[3] The Grio. (2023, October 12). Atlanta police officer won't face charges in death of Johnny Hollman Sr. Retrieved from https://thegrio.com/2023/10/12/atlanta-police-officer-wont-face-charges-in-death-of-johnny-hollman-sr/

[4] CNN. (2023, October 12). Atlanta police officer won't face charges in death of Johnny Hollman Sr. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/12/us/atlanta-police-officer-kills-johnny-hollman-sr/index.html

[5] New York Times. (2023, October 12). Atlanta Police Officer Won't Face Charges in Death of Johnny Hollman Sr. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/12/us/atlanta-police-officer-wont-face-charges-in-death-of-johnny-hollman-sr.html

• In the ongoing debate about police accountability and use of force, the family of Johnny Hollman Sr. has announced their intention to pursue a civil lawsuit against Kiran Kimbrough, the Atlanta Police Officer who was cleared in the fatal struggle that led to Hollman's death.
• The general news and crime-and-justice sectors are closely following the case, as it highlights the complexities surrounding police conduct and the potential consequences for both officers and civilians involved in such incidents.

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