The Shreveport, Louisiana, police officer charged in the February shooting death of unarmed Black man Alonzo Bagley has been charged with a second felony count in connection with the incident.
Alexander Tyler was accused with negligent homicide in February for the murder of Bagley. His attorney, Dhu Thompson, told CNN that a second felony allegation of malfeasance in office has been added.
Monday, Tyler pled not guilty to both allegations, according to Thompson.
Each felony entails a maximum penitentiary term of five years, and if he is convicted, the court may impose the sentences concurrently or consecutively.
“These charges are extremely disappointing,” Thompson told CNN via email. “However, we have been ready from the beginning to present the case and its facts to an impartial jury.” We eagerly anticipate our day in court.”
Bagley, 43, was shot after Tyler and another officer responded to a domestic disturbance complaint at an apartment complex, according to an investigation by the Louisiana State Police.
Bagley leapt from an apartment balcony and fled upon the arrival of the police. State police said that after a brief foot pursuit, Tyler shot Bagley, who was later discovered to be unarmed.
Investigators have released body camera footage and a 911 call in connection with the shooting, which occurred less than a month after the fatal assault of Tyre Nichols by Memphis officers following a traffic stop. The Nichols case reignited a national dialogue about police use of force against persons of color, especially African-Americans.
“We are pleased that former Officer Tyler has finally been arraigned, that the wheels of the justice system are turning, and that he is facing additional charges,” attorney Ron Haley for the Bagley family said in a statement to CNN. “We continue to believe that negligent homicide should be elevated to manslaughter.”
The Bagley family has filed a federal lawsuit against Tyler for wrongful death.
According to Shreveport’s mayor, Tyler resigned from the police department in March.
State prosecutors in Louisiana have added a second felony allegation against a former police officer accused of shooting and killing an unarmed Black man earlier this year.
Monday, former white Shreveport officer Alexander Tyler was arraigned on a second charge of felony malfeasance related to the February shooting of Alonzo Bagley at an apartment complex. Tyler and another officer responded to Bagley’s wife’s report of a domestic dispute.
Tyler Pleads Not Guilty to First-Degree Negligent Homicide and Felony Malfeasance Charges
Body Camera Footage of Police Encounter
Body camera footage depicts police rapping on Bagley’s door, Bagley fleeing into his apartment, and then leaping off a second-story balcony after officers knocked on his door. The video depicts Tyler capturing Bagley and shooting him once in the torso, followed by officers pleading with him to stay alive as they administer first aid.
The Louisiana State Police charged Tyler with negligent homicide on February 16, roughly two weeks after the incident. In Louisiana, state police typically investigate officer-involved shootings.
Monday, Dhu Thompson, Tyler’s defense attorney, stated, “These charges are extremely upsetting.” “However, we have been ready from the beginning to present the case and its facts to an impartial jury.” We eagerly anticipate our day in court.”
Both negligent homicide and malfeasance in office bear maximum prison terms of five years.
Bagley’s relatives have filed a $10 million lawsuit against Tyler, who served as an officer for approximately two years prior to his resignation in March.
Ronald Haley, a Louisiana attorney, has represented other high-profile clients, including the family of Ronald Greene, a Black motorist whose 2019 death in state police custody in north Louisiana prompted lawsuits and criminal accusations against law enforcement officers.
