In brief
A grand jury indictment has been unsealed against former LAPD officer Clifford Proctor, charging him with second-degree murder in the shooting death of an unarmed homeless man, Brendan Glenn, in May 2015. The case has evolved from a prior decision not to charge Proctor in 2018 due to insufficient evidence. The indictment was a result of a review by the current LA District Attorney Nathan Hochman, following growing calls for accountability in law enforcement actions. Proctor, who resigned from the LAPD in 2017, is currently in jail with his next court appearance scheduled for Nov. 3. The city had previously paid $4 million to Glenn's family in a wrongful death lawsuit.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A grand jury indictment has been unsealed against former Los Angeles police officer Clifford Proctor, charging him with second-degree murder in the shooting death of unarmed homeless man Brendan Glenn in May 2015. Glenn's death became a rallying point against police shootings in Los Angeles.
Proctor pleaded not guilty to the charges, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The incident took place outside a bar where Glenn had been involved in a struggle with officers following a fight with a bouncer. Both Glenn and Proctor are Black.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman indicated that the indictment follows a re-examination of use-of-force cases by his office, reflecting ongoing scrutiny of police conduct. Hochman stated that the review is part of a broader commitment to accountability in law enforcement.
Initially, in 2018, the previous District Attorney Jackie Lacey opted not to file charges against Proctor, citing insufficient evidence at the time. However, following community pressure and advocacy from Glenn's family, the current administration has chosen to move forward with the case.
The charges allege that Proctor shot Glenn in the back while he was on the ground and not threatening the officers, raising serious questions about the justification for the use of deadly force. Proctor resigned from the LAPD in 2017, and the city settled a wrongful death lawsuit with Glenn's family for $4 million.
Proctor, 60, remains incarcerated, with a next court appearance scheduled for November 3. This case continues to highlight issues of police accountability and the need for reforms in law enforcement practices.
