The Gist: No criminal charges will be brought against the Georgia State Patrol Troopers involved in the fatal shooting of Manual Paez Teran. According to George R. Christian of the Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit, the use of lethal force was deemed reasonable in the circumstances of the case.
The Details: On January 18, a joint law enforcement operation took place at the future site of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center in DeKalb County, Georgia. During the operation, Georgia State Troopers encountered Manual Paez Teran, who police claim refused to comply with their commands to exit a tent.
According to Christian, in an attempt to remove Teran peacefully, the Troopers employed a “less lethal” device called a pepperball launcher. However, officers say Teran responded by firing four shots from his 9 mm pistol through the tent, gravely injuring a Georgia State Trooper.
In response, six Troopers returned fire, resulting in Teran’s death.
The investigation into this incident has concluded, and the report has been provided to both the Georgia State Patrol and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The use of lethal force by the Troopers has been deemed objectively reasonable given the circumstances of the case. As a result, no criminal charges will be filed against them.
By The Numbers:
- Date of shooting: January 18, 2023
- Number of shots fired by Teran: 4
- Troopers involved in the shooting: 6
- Rounds of 9mm ammunition found in Teran’s tent: 90
In Context: The standoff took place in January, and since then, there’s been speculation about the circumstances of Teran’s death and whether any members of the SWAT team would face charges.
Why It Matters: The district attorney’s decision not to pursue criminal charges against the Georgia State Patrol Troopers involved in the shooting carries significant weight and could provide legal protection for the officers involved.
The Timing: In the age-old dance between the government and the press, timing is everything. It’s no coincidence that unfavorable news or potentially damaging reports often find their way into the public domain on Fridays. This tactic, colloquially known as the “Friday news dump,” is a well-worn strategy employed by savvy government officials. Releasing controversial news just before the weekend, when newsrooms are winding down and the public is turning its attention to personal pursuits, can lessen the immediate impact of a story. By the time Monday rolls around, the churn of the 24-hour news cycle often means that another headline has taken its place, or the initial furor has lost its edge. While we can’t know for sure if this was calculation or coincidence, releasing this report on a Friday plays into an age-old government strategy.
What’s Next?: As the report has been made available to the public, further information or comments regarding the incident and the use of lethal force will not be disclosed at this time due to ongoing criminal investigation and prosecution by the State of Georgia Attorney General’s Office.
The Press Release: Here is the press release sent by the Stone Mountain Circuit District Attorney’s Office.
The Report: Below is the full report on the shooting. It is presented in its entirety for you to read for yourself.
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