New charge added to original charge of second-degree manslaughter in April 11 death of Daunte Wright
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison on Thursday filed an amended complaint in the case of State v. Kimberly Potter. The amended complaint adds an additional charge of manslaughter in the first degree while retaining the original charge of manslaughter in the second degree in the death of Daunte Wright.
The complaint alleges that former Brooklyn Center police officer Kimberly Potter committed first-degree manslaughter by recklessly handling a firearm when she fatally shot Wright during a traffic stop in Brooklyn Center on April 11, 2021. The complaint continues to allege—as the original complaint did—that former Brooklyn Center police officer Potter committed second-degree manslaughter by culpable negligence by using a firearm.
In taking over the prosecution of this case from the Washington County Attorney, Attorney General Ellison pledged to conduct a thorough review of the evidence and make an independent decision on the level of charges.
After conducting that review—which included consulting with an expert in police use of force—Attorney General Ellison confirmed that the original second-degree manslaughter charge is appropriate, but also concluded that an upgraded charge of first-degree manslaughter is warranted.
—Information provided by the Officer of Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Read more about the Daunte Wright case below:
Attorney General Ellison’s office to lead prosecution in death of Daunte Wright
Families victimized by police violence unite, call for higher charges for Daunte Wright’s killer
Office who shot Daunte Wright charged with second-degree manslaughter (updated)
Brooklyn Center police chief and officer who shot Daunte Wright resign
PHOTOS: Unrest, protests erupt following fatal police shooting of Black man in Brooklyn Center
To view the public filings in this case, go here.
Reach the staff at the MSR at msrnewsonline@spokesman-recorder.com.