dangerous objects

Botham Jean was in his apartment in Dallas, Texas, on September 6, 2018, when off-duty Officer Amber Guyger came and fired two shots, hitting him once in the chest. She claims that she came home after a thirteen hour shift and  mistakened his apartment for hers, which was one for directly below, but Jean’s door differed from every other door because he had a bright red door mat. She says that she tried to put the key in the door, which was unlocked and “slightly ajar,” and she saw a large silhouette and thought that there was a burglar in her apartment. Neighbors dispute this claim, stating that they have fire safety doors, which means that the doors automatically close and can’t stay “slightly ajar.” At least two neighbors also report to hearing her knock on the door and saying, “Let me in, let me in.” Jean’s neighbor says that she heard the two shots followed by, “Oh my God, why did you do that?” Jean was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. He was 26 years old.

 

Soon after the shooting, Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall announced that there would be an external investigation conducted by the Texas Rangers. During the investigation, they acquired a search warrant and contradicted Guyger’s initial statement, stating that Jean “confronted the officer at the door” after she opened the door “with a set of keys.” Neighbors filmed the door, which shows a red light when the incorrect key is inserted. Rumors started to circulate that Jean and Guyger were romantically involved, but the investigation concluded that the two didn’t know each other. Guyger was initially charged with manslaughter and released after posting a $300,000 bail, but the Texas Rangers recommended that she should be charged with murder because manslaughter is defined as a reckless act in the state of Texas. They clarified that Guyger intended to shoot Jean.

 

A 12 person grand jury was in charge of deciding whether to clear Guyger of charges or go to trial for manslaughter or murder. They decided to charge her with murder. Her trial begins on September 23, 2019. Botham Jean’s family filed a federal lawsuit against Guyger and the City of Dallas, citing excessive use of force which lead to his wrongful death, but that is likely to take place after the criminal trial.

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Sources: 

Alexander, C. L. (2018, September 11). This is one essential truth about the Dallas shooting. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2018/09/10/opinions/dallas-shooting-botham-shem-jean-amber-guyger-and-race-alexander/index.html

 

Arnold, A. (2018, November 30). Dallas Cop Who Killed Botham Jean in His Apartment Has Been Indicted on Murder. Retrieved from https://www.thecut.com/2018/09/dallas-police-shooting-botham-jean.html

 

Emily, J. (2019, April 02). Former Dallas officer Amber Guyger's murder trial delayed in slaying of Botham Jean. Retrieved from https://www.dallasnews.com/news/crime/2019/04/02/former-dallas-officer-amber-guygers-murder-trial-delayed-slaying-botham-jean

 

Jacobo, J. (2019, January 31). Neighbor who filmed aftermath of shooting of Botham Jean has received death threats, she says. Retrieved from https://abcnews.go.com/US/neighbor-filmed-aftermath-shooting-botham-jean-received-death/story?id=60750902

 

Owens, M., & Osborne, R. (2018, September 14). The Botham Jean shooting: The timeline. Retrieved from https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/special-reports/botham-jean/the-botham-jean-shooting-the-timeline/287-594314879

 

Phillips, K., & Paul, D. (2018, September 11). Officer who shot man says she mistakenly entered his apartment. His family doesn't believe it. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2018/09/10/dallas-officer-who-shot-man-claims-she-didnt-know-she-was-wrong-apartment-until-calling/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.511d9da32646