Dallas Officer Claims She Gave Slain Neighbor “Verbal Commands Before” Shooting Him In His Apartment

The Dallas police officer who shot and killed her neighbor after allegedly mistaking his apartment for her own says she gave him verbal commands before firing her gun.

Amber Guyger told Texas Ranger David Armstrong that it was pitch black when she went into the apartment Thursday night when she thought a burglar was in what she believed was her home. According to the affidavit, Guyger gave the person “verbal commands,” but when they ignored them, she fired two shots. One of those shots hit #BothamJean in the chest and later led to his death.

While on the phone reporting the incident to 911, she flipped on the lights and realized she was in the wrong apartment. The affidavit says Jean’s apartment was to the right of Guyger’s, and that the apartment layouts are very similar. Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings also said Guyger parked on the wrong side of the apartment complex’s garage. Police booked Guyger on Sunday and charged her with manslaughter.

Jean’s family attorneys have questioned why it took three days for Guyger to be charged, and why Guyger decided to use deadly force so quickly. The attorneys argue that Guyger should have been arrested the night of the shooting. On Sept. 10, the Dallas County district will present them in front of a grand jury. Guyger may face a more extreme charge besides manslaughter.