Skip to content

No Charges For Baltimore Officer Who Fatally Shot Black Teenage Driver

A Baltimore police officer will not face charges after fatally shooting a Black teenage driver last year.According to the Associated Press, Baltimore State’s Attorney Ivan Bates declined to pursue criminal charges against officer Connor Murray for the February 2022 killing of Donnell Rochester, an 18-year-old driver who was being pursued by police due to outstanding bench warrants.

In his findings, Bates said the officers acted “reasonably and lawfully” when they shot at Rochester’s moving vehicle. According to Bates, Rochester drove towards Murray, putting the officer in a “life-threatening situation.”

A second officer, Robert Mauri, who fired two rounds against Rochester as he drove towards Murray, isn’t expected to face criminal charges either.

Bates’ findings come despite an independent state investigation conducted by the Maryland Attorney General’s Independent Investigations Division that found Rochester “no longer posed a threat” when Murray fired a fourth, deadly shot. Prosecutors could have likely proved that Murray committed voluntary manslaughter with his fourth shot, the investigative unit said.

“Officer Connor Murray already had dodged Rochester’s vehicle and was beside the car when he fired a fourth time, with no other officers or people in harm’s way — a circumstance where deadly force would not be reasonable, necessary or proportional,” their report states.

Both officers were placed on administrative duties amid an internal investigation.

Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. These additional resources are also available: 

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

The National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264

The Association of Black Psychologists 1-301-449-3082

The Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001

For more mental health resources, click HERE

Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.

About Post Author

From the Web

Active Aging
Protect Your Joints With These 5 Safe & Effective Exercises
Protect Your Joints With These 5 Safe & Effective Exercises
activeaging
Read more
These Techniques Can Help Combat Distraction in Aging Brains
These Techniques Can Help Combat Distraction in Aging Brains
activeaging
Read more
Why Your Golden Years Are the Perfect Time for Pet Ownership
Why Your Golden Years Are the Perfect Time for Pet Ownership
activeaging
Read more
7 Dietary Supplements that Promote Healthy Aging
7 Dietary Supplements that Promote Healthy Aging
activeaging
Read more
Healthy Living | Word in Black
6 Simple Salads for a Healthier Summer
6 Simple Salads for a Healthier Summer
healthyliving
Read more
Using Fresh Spring Produce: 10 Recipes You’ll Love
Using Fresh Spring Produce: 10 Recipes You’ll Love
healthyliving
Read more
Focus on the Present: Tips for Living in the Moment
Focus on the Present: Tips for Living in the Moment
healthyliving
Read more
Ways to Move More While Working from Home
Ways to Move More While Working from Home
healthyliving
Read more
The Caregivers
Connection and Peace Flourish in This 79-Year-Old’s Community Garden
Connection and Peace Flourish in This 79-Year-Old’s Community Garden
Joyce Randolph began a small garden with her daughter in 2013. She found that gardening is good for the mind and for building community.
By renata sago
The Caregivers
Read more
Affirmations for Aging Boldly
Affirmations for Aging Boldly
With the highs and lows that come with aging, it’s helpful to have a few go-to affirmations for inner strength.
By renata sago
The Caregivers
Read more
Yes, Your Living Space Can Be a Source of Comfort and Peace
Yes, Your Living Space Can Be a Source of Comfort and Peace
Experimenting with welcoming plants and letting go of items that you no longer need can make your living space comfortable.
By renata sago
The Caregivers
Read more
Uplifting Words if You're Ever in a Funk
Uplifting Words if You're Ever in a Funk
A funk is a period of sadness that, if addressed effectively, can encourage inner healing and draw you into the fullness of who you are.
By renata sago
The Caregivers
Read more
X