Judge Finds Chicago Police Officer Not Guilty in Fatal Shooting of Unarmed Woman

The courtroom reportedly erupted following the decision.

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A Chicago police officer who shot and killed an unarmed woman was found not guilty by a Cook County judge today. 

Officer Dante Servin was off-duty when he fatally shot Rekia Boyd, 22, and injured her friend, Antonio Cross, in March 2012. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the incident occurred after Servin confronted the two about a "raucous gathering" near his home.

The Sun-Times adds that Servin was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and reckless conduct, but Judge Dennis Porter permitted a "directed verdict," so Servin was found not guilty without having to defend himself: 


Servin had been charged with reckless conduct and reckless discharge of a firearm — but Porter, in issuing his verdict, said Servin’s conduct was “beyond reckless” and therefore, "it would be improper to allow the trial to continue given the total failure” to prove recklessness. The evidence does not support the charges on which the defendant is being tried.


The officer’s decision to discharge his firearm, Porter said, was an intentional act.

The Sun-Times reports that Porter said "this is not a place for emotions, this is a place for reasoned decisions" before issuing the verdict. 

[via Chicago Sun-Times]

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