Jonathan Ferrell Killed: Man Shot In North Carolina Was A Former FAMU Football Player, NC policeman charged with killing unarmed man

[spookyturtle 9,465]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The deadly encounter was set in motion when a former college football player survived a wreck and went searching for help in the middle of the night. A frightened woman heard him pounding and opened her front door, then called police. Officers found the unarmed man, and one shot him when a Taser failed to stop him from approaching.

Within hours, investigators determined that the shooting had been excessive and charged the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer with voluntary manslaughter in the death of former Florida A&M University football player Jonathan A. Ferrell.

Ferrell, 24, played for Florida A&M in 2009 and 2010, school officials said Sunday. He had recently moved to North Carolina.

Early Saturday, he had apparently been in a wreck and was seeking help at a nearby house, according to a statement from Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. A woman answered the door and, when she didn't recognize the man, called 911.

Officers responding to the breaking and entering call found Ferrell a short distance from the home, police said. As they approached him, Ferrell ran toward the officers, who tried to stop him with a Taser. Police said he continued to run toward them when officer Randall Kerrick fired his gun, hitting Ferrell several times. Ferrell died at the scene.

Police called Ferrell and Kerrick's initial encounter "appropriate and lawful." But in their statement late Saturday, they said "the investigation showed that the subsequent shooting of Mr. Ferrell was excessive" and "Kerrick did not have a lawful right to discharge his weapon during this encounter."

Police said Kerrick was charged with voluntary manslaughter, which under North Carolina law involves killing without malice using "excessive force" in exercising "imperfect self-defense."

Police were not expected to offer further details Sunday, said Officer Keith Trietley, a department spokesman. The report was not available Sunday.

Kerrick, 27, of Midland, turned himself in for booking Saturday evening and was released on $50,000 bond, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office website. Kerrick joined the police force in April 2011. He has a first appearance court hearing scheduled for Monday.

FAMU Interim Athletic Director Michael Smith said Ferrell played the safety position for the school's football team during the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to his family during their time of bereavement," Smith said in an emailed statement.

A search of public records indicated that Ferrell began living in Charlotte early this year after moving from Tallahassee, Fla., home to FAMU.

Police Chief Rodney Monroe described the auto accident in a news conference: Ferrell was driving a vehicle that crashed into trees off a northeast Charlotte road early Saturday, and the wreck was so severe he would have had to climb out of the back window to escape. Monroe said he didn't know what caused the crash and didn't say whether Ferrell suffered injuries.

Ferrell apparently walked about a half-mile to the nearest house and was "banging on the door viciously" to attract attention, Monroe said. Thinking it was her husband coming home late from work, the woman who lives there opened the door. When she saw Ferrell, she shut it and called police about 2:30 a.m., Monroe said.

Monroe said he didn't think the unarmed Ferrell made threats or tried to rob the woman.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/15/jonathan-ferrell-killed_n_3931282.html?1379271459&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D375589

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The deadly encounter was set in motion when a former college football player survived a wreck and went searching for help in the middle of the night. A frightened woman heard him pounding and opened her front door, then called police. Officers found the unarmed man, and one shot him when a Taser failed to stop him from approaching.

Within hours, investigators determined that the shooting had been excessive and charged the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer with voluntary manslaughter in the death of former Florida A&M University football player Jonathan A. Ferrell.

Ferrell, 24, played for Florida A&M in 2009 and 2010, school officials said Sunday. He had recently moved to North Carolina.

Early Saturday, he had apparently been in a wreck and was seeking help at a nearby house, according to a statement from Charlotte-Mecklenburg police. A woman answered the door and, when she didn't recognize the man, called 911.

Officers responding to the breaking and entering call found Ferrell a short distance from the home, police said. As they approached him, Ferrell ran toward the officers, who tried to stop him with a Taser. Police said he continued to run toward them when officer Randall Kerrick fired his gun, hitting Ferrell several times. Ferrell died at the scene.

Police called Ferrell and Kerrick's initial encounter "appropriate and lawful." But in their statement late Saturday, they said "the investigation showed that the subsequent shooting of Mr. Ferrell was excessive" and "Kerrick did not have a lawful right to discharge his weapon during this encounter."

Police said Kerrick was charged with voluntary manslaughter, which under North Carolina law involves killing without malice using "excessive force" in exercising "imperfect self-defense."

Police were not expected to offer further details Sunday, said Officer Keith Trietley, a department spokesman. The report was not available Sunday.

Kerrick, 27, of Midland, turned himself in for booking Saturday evening and was released on $50,000 bond, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office website. Kerrick joined the police force in April 2011. He has a first appearance court hearing scheduled for Monday.

FAMU Interim Athletic Director Michael Smith said Ferrell played the safety position for the school's football team during the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to his family during their time of bereavement," Smith said in an emailed statement.

A search of public records indicated that Ferrell began living in Charlotte early this year after moving from Tallahassee, Fla., home to FAMU.

Police Chief Rodney Monroe described the auto accident in a news conference: Ferrell was driving a vehicle that crashed into trees off a northeast Charlotte road early Saturday, and the wreck was so severe he would have had to climb out of the back window to escape. Monroe said he didn't know what caused the crash and didn't say whether Ferrell suffered injuries.

Ferrell apparently walked about a half-mile to the nearest house and was "banging on the door viciously" to attract attention, Monroe said. Thinking it was her husband coming home late from work, the woman who lives there opened the door. When she saw Ferrell, she shut it and called police about 2:30 a.m., Monroe said.

Monroe said he didn't think the unarmed Ferrell made threats or tried to rob the woman.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/15/jonathan-ferrell-killed_n_3931282.html?1379271459&icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D375589

I don't quite understand why if the police shoot you with a Taser you keep charging . I would love to hear more details. Not sure what having played at FAMU has to do with the story..

Based on the pictures of the two..Ferrell looks like a good kid..The officer looks wormy

My initial call is the PO shot him without cause. My initial instincts are rarely wrong

This is going to be another national incident.. I bet Al's phone is ringing off the hook.

Edited September 16, 2013 by The conciliator

[spookyturtle 9,465]

I can't figure out why he was supposedly running toward them and continued to do so after being tased. That really makes no sense. The FAMU part really has nothing to do with the story, but since the topic title must match the link, I was just following the rules. If I didn't, one of the VJ wankers would probably report me.

[Darnell 8,478]

what happened to the feetball player's cell phone?

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

I can't figure out why he was supposedly running toward them and continued to do so after being tased. That really makes no sense. The FAMU part really has nothing to do with the story, but since the topic title must match the link, I was just following the rules. If I didn't, one of the VJ wankers would probably report me.

Sorry uncle spooks. I knew you just cut and pasted I was not questioning your neutrality

They sure charged him quickly. I wonder what angle the Race batters will use to fan this one. Seems like police are all over it and doing the right thing

I can't figure out why he was supposedly running toward them and continued to do so after being tased. That really makes no sense. The FAMU part really has nothing to do with the story, but since the topic title must match the link, I was just following the rules. If I didn't, one of the VJ wankers would probably report me.

If the police charged him this quickly it must have been clear cut

Edited September 16, 2013 by The conciliator

[spookyturtle 9,465]

Why was he running toward the police, especially after being tased? I can see him approaching them asking for help. Or maybe he was really shaken up bad in the accident and wasn't thinking clearly? It seems odd that the Taser didn't stop him.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

Why was he running toward the police, especially after being tased? I can see him approaching them asking for help. Or maybe he was really shaken up bad in the accident and wasn't thinking clearly? It seems odd that the Taser didn't stop him.

Does seem a bit odd, however I have to believe that for the police to act this quickly and not even wait for a higher authority to review it must have been fairly clear he was in the wrong.

I hope this is not another racial motivated push to prosecute a case with no evidence like GZ

[spookyturtle 9,465]

The officer had to be blatantly at fault to be charged that fast. Just hours after the shooting? It sounds more like outright murder for it to happen so quickly.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

The officer had to be blatantly at fault to be charged that fast. Just hours after the shooting? It sounds more like outright murder for it to happen so quickly.

It has to be..Usually here they suspend an officer then the GBI does a very thorough investigation then turns it over to the DA.

The cop must have had mental issues.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

The woman reported a robbery attempt. Cops arrive and see suspect near the house. Shoot first, ask questions later. Scandal is brewing.

[aamirpearl 47]

updated 8:35 PM EDT, Sun September 15, 2013

Unarmed man gunned down by police

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• NEW: The officer charged in the killing was released from jail
• NEW: Officer Randall Kerrick is charged with voluntary manslaughter
• Police: After one officer's stun gun was "unsuccessful," another opened fire
• Police found a wrecked car nearby and believe the victim may have been seeking help

Read more on CNN affiliates WBTV, WSOC, WCNC andNews14Carolina.

(CNN) -- Police in North Carolina shot and killed a man running toward them Saturday morning -- but he may have just been looking for help after a car wreck.

Officers responded to a "breaking and entering" 911 call at a home in Charlotte.

The homeowner told dispatchers that a man had been knocking on her door repeatedly.

Police say that when they got to the scene, a man matching the caller's description ran toward them.

One of the officers fired his stun gun, but it was "unsuccessful." Another officer then opened fire, police said.

Officer Randall Kerrick is charged with voluntary manslaughter in the shooting of Jonathan Ferrell.

Jonathan Ferrell died at the scene. He was shot several times.

He was unarmed.

Police now believe Ferrell was seeking assistance after crashing his car.

Florida man mistakenly shot by deputies

The crash

Ferrell was 24 and a former football player at Florida A&M University.

Police found a wrecked car nearby, indicating that he may have been trying to get help.

"It was a pretty serious accident," Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe told CNN affiliate WSOC.

The crash was so severe that authorities now believe Ferrell had to climb out of the back window, affiliate WBTV reported.

He ran to the closest house for help.

The woman inside thought it was her husband.

"To her surprise, it was an individual that she did not know or recognize," Monroe told WBTV. "She immediately closed the door, hit her panic alarm, called 911."

The man stood outside and "continued to attempt to gain the attention of the homeowner," a police statement said.

The shooting

Police have charged Officer Randall Kerrick with voluntary manslaughter -- a felony. He turned himself in Saturday afternoon and was released Sunday on $50,000 bond.

Police used "charged" and "ran" and "advanced" in their description of what Ferrell did.

There were three officers at the scene, but Kerrick was the only one to use a gun.

He fired several times, police said.

"The evidence revealed that Mr. Ferrell did advance on Officer Kerrick and the investigation showed that the subsequent shooting of Mr. Ferrell was excessive," police said in another statement issued late Saturday night. "Our investigation has shown that Officer Kerrick did not have a lawful right to discharge his weapon during this encounter. "

All three officers have been placed on paid leave.

A charge of voluntary manslaughter means the person used excessive force in self-defense, or carried out the act without intent to kill.

Police called the incident "unfortunate."

"It has devastated a family as well as caused a great deal of sadness and anxiety in our organization," a statement said.

Kerrick's first court appearance is scheduled for Monday at 1:30 p.m., the Mecklenburg County District Attorney's Office said.

"In every case, the District Attorney's Office evaluates the evidence available and works to achieve a fair and just outcome," the office said in a statement.

Times Square shooting: Police wound 2 bystanders by mistake

The reaction

Friends expressed grief on social media, calling Ferrell a "brother" and demanding "justice."

He had at least one brother, Willie, who played with him at Florida A&M.

The university said it was "deeply saddened" at the loss. In a statement, Michael Smith, interim athletic director, said Ferrell played safety and was part of the 2010 championship team. "Our hearts and prayers go out to his family during their time of bereavement," Smith said.

Ferrell was engaged.

"We loved him. Our family loved him," his fiancee's mother told WSOC.

He would have turned 25 next month.

[spookyturtle 9,465]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/454636-jonathan-ferrell-killed-man-shot-in-north-carolina-was-a-former-famu-football-player-nc-policeman-charged-with-killing-unarmed-man/

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

How many more need to be killed by police? It is a flawed concept to arm government officials and call on them to bring guns.

They should be allowed to carry firearms like any other citizen, but leave them at home when they go to work in official duties. Except in special circumstances, they should not be armed.

People need to take more responsibility for their own protection. Only they are on the scene and know who really needs to be shot. Police arrived uninformed and start shooting without knowing who needs to be shot.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/454636-jonathan-ferrell-killed-man-shot-in-north-carolina-was-a-former-famu-football-player-nc-policeman-charged-with-killing-unarmed-man/

This cannot be repeated enough Spooky. If we can have 4388 threads on the would-be murderer TM being justifiably shot by his intended victim, then we can have multiple threads when government officials execute innocent, unarmed Americans who were seeking "help" from them.

Our British friends learned long ago to disarm police. Most police in Ukraine are also unarmed. The idea that police need to have guns is ridiculous. Potential VICTIMS need to have guns, police need to take reports

[Jacque67 7,328]

How many more need to be killed by police? It is a flawed concept to arm government officials and call on them to bring guns.

They should be allowed to carry firearms like any other citizen, but leave them at home when they go to work in official duties. Except in special circumstances, they should not be armed.

People need to take more responsibility for their own protection. Only they are on the scene and know who really needs to be shot. Police arrived uninformed and start shooting without knowing who needs to be shot.

Hear, hear!