When is Kim Potter's sentencing? Ex-cop GUILTY of manslaughter in Daunte Wright's death
Former Minnesota police officer Kim Potter, who fatally shot a Black man, Daunte Wright, during a traffic stop, was found guilty of first- and second-degree manslaughter on Thursday, December 23. Potter seemed to show no emotion while the verdicts were read. She will be held without bail.
Aubry Wright and Katie Bryant, Daunte Wright's parents, reportedly cried out and let out sighs as the verdicts were read. "The moment we heard guilty on manslaughter one emotions, every single emotion that you can imagine just running through your body. I kind of let out a yelp because it was built up in the anticipation," Bryant told reporters. As a brass band was played, demonstrators cheered outside the court.
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Scenes from outside the Hennepin County Government Center as the Kim Potter trial verdict was read: Guilty on both counts of manslaughter in the killing of Daunte Wright.
— Ben Hovland (@benjovland) December 23, 2021
For @SahanJournal pic.twitter.com/sFHWP6R0sr
Since December 20, Monday, jurors have been deliberating about 27 hours. Judge Regina Chu thanked the jury, saying, "I'm so proud of you. You should be proud of yourselves. Without civic minded citizens like you our system of justice could not function. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifices."
Daunte Wright, 20, a biracial man who identified as Black, was shot dead by Potter on April 11, 2021, during a traffic stop. The incident took place during an attempted arrest for an outstanding arrest warrant in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Police later said that Potter meant to use her taser, but used her gun accidentally instead, shooting Wright in the chest. Potter was subsequently arrested on April 14, charged with second-degree manslaughter, and booked into the Hennepin County Jail. She was later released on $100,000 bail. Back then, the shooting prompted widespread protests across Brooklyn Center.
When will the sentencing take place?
Kim Potter's sentencing is scheduled to take place on February 18, 2022. Attorneys on both sides will now be given time to prepare their arguments in favor of the sentence they wish to see Potter get. A probation officer also will conduct what is called a pre-sentence investigation. Information that could be relevant at the sentencing will now be gathered, including about Potter’s life and history.
Potter will remain in custody and will be held without bail. Potter's attorneys argued against the decision to hold her without bail, saying she was not going to go anywhere or commit another crime. “Her remorse and regret for the incident is overwhelming," Potter attorney Paul Engh said. "She’s not a danger to the public whatsoever.” Rejecting the arguments, Judge Regina Chu said, “I cannot treat this case any differently than any other case."
The maximum penalty for first-degree manslaughter predicated on reckless use/handling of a firearm is as many as 15 years in prison. However, Potter has no criminal history, and as per Minnesota sentencing guidelines, she might have to serve roughly between 6 and 8.5 years in prison.
Which jail will Potter be transferred to?
Following the verdict, the former Brooklyn Center police officer was escorted out of the courtroom in handcuffs. Her husband Jeff, a former law enforcement officer, was heard saying, "I love you, Kim", to which Kim answered, "I love you back." Potter was transferred to Minnesota Correctional Facility -- Shakopee -- which is about 25 miles southwest of Minneapolis, the state Department of Corrections said.