Dash cam video showing the moments before Philando Castile was shot and killed by Officer Jeronimo Yanez was released on Tuesday. Baller Alert shared the footage on Twitter as it became public. The video is graphic and may be upsetting to watch.
In the footage, Yanez approaches Castile’s car over a broken tail light and asks for his license and registration. Castile hands over his documents and tells the officer he has a firearm. Yanez tells him not to reach for it, and Castile says he is not. Seconds later, Yanez fires several shots into the car. Castile’s girlfriend and her young daughter were in the vehicle, and the child can be heard in the aftermath.
Yanez was acquitted of manslaughter earlier this month. Statements he gave to Minnesota investigators after the shooting were released by the Ramsey County Attorney’s office. According to that interview, Yanez said he smelled marijuana in the car and feared for his life, saying he believed Castile was reaching for the gun. He also said he wondered whether Castile kept the firearm for protection from people who might try to rob him. Castile’s family and supporters have strongly disputed that account.
The release of the video renewed anger and heartbreak across the country. We will continue to follow the story.
