A handcuffed man named William Green was near Temple Hills, Maryland when he was shot to death in a police cruiser. Anyone reasonable would ask, “Why did this officer feel the need to shoot someone who’s incapable of harming them?”
Ask the cop who did it.
Cpl. Michael Owen, Jr., is a 10-year veteran of the force. He’s the man who shot the defenseless Green SEVEN times for reasons still not understood.
The BBC reports that “police were responding to calls that a driver had struck multiple cars and was suspected of being intoxicated.” Clearly, nothing about this situation warranted the use of force that Green was killed by.
Many watching this story unfold initially worried that Owen would not be charged and would escape all accountability - that fear was quickly dismantled.
Police Chief Hank Stawinski told reporters, "I have concluded that what happened last night is a crime," shortly after the incident. Facing a murder charge amongst others, Owen was denied bail and deemed a threat to public safety because of his actions. He’s had to remain in jail.
Green’s family has mourned this immeasurable loss. His daughter Brenda spoke at a press conference about how he’d never see her walk down the aisle or get to meet his grandchildren. It’s their hope Owen will not escape consequences - an unjust escape so many officers with Black victims have been afforded.