The nation is in an uproar once again after an officer involved shooting between a caucasian police officer and an African American.
Early Saturday morning, around 2:30a, Atatiana Jefferson was in her bedroom with her 8 year old nephew when an officer shot through her home, killing her. A nearby neighbor says he called the non-emergency line when he noticed how late it was and Jefferson's front door was open. When officer Aaron Dean arrived, he failed to identify himself while seeing someone in the home and shooting just two seconds after yelling "Put your hands up! Show me your hands!" Medical care was attempted at the scene, but unfortunately Jefferson succumbed to her injuries.
Police Chief, Ed Kraus, intended on terminating his employment with the force, but Dean resigned first thing Monday morning. Later that evening he was arrested and charged with murder. Dean posted bail about three hours after being held on $200,000 bond.
Jefferson's family attorney, Lee Merritt, released a statement saying "The family of Atatiana Jefferson is relieved that Aaron Dean has been arrested and charged with murder." He also added "There will be a long road to a prosecution, conviction and an appropriate sentence.
This comes shortly after former Dallas Police Officer, Amber Guyger was convicted of murder after shooting and killing her neighbor, Botham Jean. Guyger maintains her story that she mistook Jean's apartment for her own and assumed he was an intruder which resulted in her immediate reaction to pull her weapon and shoot and kill Botham Jean.
This story has gotten national attention including from the National Black Police Association. In a statement made Monday night they say "The death of Black citizens by white officers has reached critical mass."
In the case of Jefferson and Dean, the neighbor says "I feel guilty because had I not called the Fort Worth Police Department, my neighbor would still be alive today."