Public Disappointment After Just One Officer Recognized with Breonna Taylor Case

By: Eris Lowdermilk

Citizens feel outraged by the lack of adequate attention to the case of Breonna Taylor. Brett Hankinson was the only officer that the Kentucky Police Department acknowledged. Louisville overall is experiencing immense tension surrounding the current situation.

Hankinson was indicted on first-degree wanton endangerment charges, which according to ABC13, wanton endangerment in the state of Kentucky is defined as: “…under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, he wantonly engages in conduct which creates a substantial danger of death or serious physical injury to another person."

Breonna Taylor, a Black EMT was killed by police on March 13, 2020, in her own home. Hankinson was fired in June, and the two other officers involved, Sgt. John Mattingly and Det. Myles Cosgrove will not face any consequences following the grand jury today on Sept 23. 

Attorney Benjamin Crump, the representative for the family has defined this result as, “outrageous and offensive.” 

Louisville has indefinitely faced public outcry since Taylor’s death and will continue, as the city has already declared a state of emergency in accordance with the decision. 

Joseph, Elizabeth and Sanchez, Ray. (2020, September 23). Louisville on edge after no officers charged directly with Breonna Taylor’s death. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2020/09/23/us/breonna-taylor-attorney-general-grand-jury-announcement/index.html

(2020, September 23). Officer charged in Breonna Taylor case--What is wanton endangerment? ABC13. https://abc13.com/breonna-taylor-case-what-is-wanton-endangerment-/6522645/