From Today's TMJ4:
Jurors have reached a verdict during their fourth day of deliberations in the federal case of four police officers accused in beating that has caused community outrage.
The men are accused of violating Frank Jude's civil rights and those of his friend Lovell Harris in 2004. Authorities say they brutally beat Jude and also injured Harris outside a party attended by off-duty officers in 2004.
From the Associated Press:
Three white former police officers were convicted Thursday of beating a biracial man outside a party and violating his civil rights, but a suspended officer was acquitted in the case.
From The Milwaukee Channel:
"I'm glad justice has been done. I believe the verdicts are correct," Milwaukee Police Chief Nannette Hegerty said following the verdict. "I don't think I will ever forget the date of this incident, and I think it's done a tremendous disservice to the Milwaukee Police Department. "
Jude, who is biracial, was beaten by group that included off-duty police officers, who accused him of stealing a badge from Spengler's home, where they were partying.
Jude, a stripper from Appleton, had accompanied a black male friend and two white women to the party in the early-morning hours and was leaving when the beating took place.
...The three men would face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000.
Hegerty told 12 News that the three fired officers will be removed from the Milwaukee Police Department's payroll when they are sentenced.
Andrew Spengler, Jon Bartlett and Daniel Masarik have been found guilty of conspiracy and assault in connection with the beating of Frank Jude Jr.
Ryan Packard was found not guilty of the conspiracy and assault charges.
I'm sure Mayor Tom Barrett and Police Chief Nan Hegerty and other city leaders are breathing a sigh of relief.
Three men are being finally held accountable for the barbaric, brutal beating of Jude.
Justice has been served.
I guess this means that there will be no violent explosions in Milwaukee today, at least none related to the Jude trial.
I don't think Packard's acquittal is enough to warrant violence. Do you?
Any planned marches, riots, and violent outbursts will probably have to be rescheduled.
Maybe those can wait for the sentencing on November 29.
_______________________
Speaking on the steps of the courthouse, Jude's attorney Jonathan Safran didn't sound too happy.
I think he was laying out his case for the civil suits.
To applause, Jude stepped to the microphone.
He said he was happy about the convictions of the three former officers, but sad about Ryan Packard.
Some of Jude's comments:
"I've been tortured."
"Today's a good day.
"The truth has been told today."
"I'm happy I'm still alive."
Frank Jude's aunt, Doris Jude Porter, had some comments, too. She sounded as if the former three officers were acquitted.
In addition to thanking Mike McGee for his leadership, she said that police can kill you and harass you.
The outrage remains.
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