Federal prosecutors plan to retry ex-Louisville officer Brett Hankison after a recent mistrial in the case of Breonna Taylor’s 2020 death.
On Nov 16, a judge declared a mistrial after the jury couldn’t agree on charges against Hankison, who fired ten shots during the deadly raid that hit no one but entered Taylor’s apartment and a neighboring unit where a child slept.
According to federal prosecutor Michael Songer, “the government intends to retry the case.”
Hankison faces a potential third trial for his involvement in the 2020 raid that killed Breonna Taylor. He was acquitted last year on state charges related to shooting into Taylor’s windows and glass patio door.
A tentative trial date is scheduled for October 2024, but prosecutors are considering a summer trial.
According to reports, the jury in Hankison’s trial, mostly white, had difficulty reaching a verdict last month. There were reportedly “elevated voices” in deliberation, prompting court security intervention.
Songer urged the judge to let the jury continue deliberating, citing the “enormous resources” for a retrial. However, Judge Jennings declared the mistrial, noting a “disagreement they cannot get past.”
Hankison is the only officer criminally charged for firing during the raid. Two others were deemed justified in returning fire, as one was shot by Taylor’s boyfriend.
