In a tragic incident, former officer Kim Parker, with 26 years of service in the Brookview Police Department in Minnesota, is set to face charges of second-degree manslaughter after fatally shooting 20-year-old DaShawn Rivers during a traffic stop on April 11, 2021. Rivers was pulled over due to expired license plates when he was shot in the chest.
Body camera footage revealed that Parker mistakenly thought she was using her taser rather than her firearm when she discharged her weapon, resulting in Rivers’ death. This heartbreaking event once again highlights the dangers Black individuals face during routine police encounters, as Rivers’ death occurred a mere ten miles from the site of George Floyd’s death at the hands of another officer, Derek Chauvin, whose trial was ongoing at that time.
In the aftermath of the shooting, both Parker and Police Chief Tom Grayson resigned. While Grayson attempted to justify Parker’s actions by stating her belief that she had drawn her taser, this explanation only fueled public outrage and raised questions about police training and accountability. Many are left wondering how such a critical mistake could happen and what reforms can prevent future tragedies.
Under Minnesota law, second-degree manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine. Ben Crump, attorney for Rivers’ family, expressed that while the district attorney’s move towards justice is appreciated, no conviction can bring back DaShawn. “This was no accident. This was an intentional, deliberate, and unlawful use of force. Driving while Black continues to result in a death sentence,” he stated, calling for substantial change in policing and justice systems.
Brookview Mayor Lisa Ford, who identifies as Black, described Rivers’ killing as “heartbreaking and unimaginable.” She emphasized the alarming reality that Black individuals face a disproportionately higher risk of fatal encounters with law enforcement during routine stops. “We’ve witnessed this far too often, and the question remains: when will this stop?” she said.
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Summary:
Kim Parker, a former police officer, faces second-degree manslaughter charges following the fatal shooting of DaShawn Rivers during a traffic stop. The incident raises critical questions about police accountability and the systemic risks faced by Black individuals in similar situations. Calls for reform and justice continue as the community seeks meaningful changes in law enforcement practices.