Officers involved in the death of Korryn Gaines will likely not face charges, a lawyer for the family has said.
J. Wyndal Gordon, the family’s attorney, told the New York Daily News on Tuesday that he didn’t forsee any criminal charges in the case, but will meet with Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger today to discuss the case.
Gaines was killed on August 1 during a stand-off with police, who alleged that the 23-year-old was threatening them with a shotgun and holding her 5-year-old child in the room when they arrived to serve a warrant.
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Gaines live streamed video to Facebook and Instagram during the stand-off in which she asked her son about what the police were doing. In the video the boy can be heard saying, “They trying to kill us,” and replying “no” when asked if he wants to go outside. Police eventually broke into the house, fatally shooting Gaines.
Shellenberger’s office hasn’t commented on the case, but Gordon feels that by remaining silent they’ve already confirmed their decision.
“Basically, ‘We investigated ourselves, and we found that we didn’t do anything wrong,’ that’s what I expect them to say. The tone and tenor of the conversation lead me to believe they will not be filing charges.”
A wrongful death suit has been filed that alleges that neighbors heard Gaines offer to surrender. According to the suit, a witness heard Gaines tell police, “If you put your guns down and back up from my apartment, I will come out,” but alleges that none of the police moved away from the door. Another neighbor allegedly heard an officer say “I’m sick of this s–t!” before shots rang out.
Details about the officers involved have not been released. Gordon says he’s willing to put up a good fight.
“It’s going to be very interesting to see how this case is spun. The tolerance level of some is very slim, and so we just want to let them know that we’re not going anywhere.”
