A judge in Kentucky has signed an order permanently closing a criminal case against Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend. Kenneth L. Walker was shot a police officer during the deadly raid that killed Taylor. However, the prosecutors left open the chance to revisit the charge against Walker if new proof surfaces.
On March 13, 2020, Taylor was fatally shot by police who burst through her door with a drug warrant. She and Walker had settled in for the night before police arrived and knocked down the door. Walker said he thought an intruder was breaking in; so, he fired a single shot that struck an officer in the leg.
In addition, a motion from Walker’s attorney asking for the permanent dismissal says Walker “acted in self-defense.” Furthermore, the attorney explains that Walker “he did not know that police were on the other side of the door.”
Jefferson Circuit Judge Olu Stevens’ order on Monday dismissed the 2020 indictment against Walker with prejudice, meaning it can not be reconsidered.
The officer who was shot, Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly, recovered from the leg wound. Additionally, he still remains in the Louisville police department. As for the other two officers who fired shots at Taylor’s apartment, they have been dismissed.
