Newly released records are shedding more light on the night Oscar Grant was killed. Documents made public on May 1 under a new California police transparency law say former BART police officer Anthony Pirone told investigators he was “fighting for his life” during the January 1, 2009 incident. According to the documents, an internal investigation by the Meyers Nave law firm reached a different conclusion, finding that Pirone started the altercation through “repeated and unnecessary use of force” against Grant and by using the n word.
The report states, “Pirone was, in large part, responsible for setting the events in motion that created a chaotic and tense situation on the platform, setting the stage, even if inadvertent, for the shooting of Oscar Grant.”
Grant, a 22 year old father, was shot at Oakland’s Fruitvale BART Station by officer Johannes Mehserle. Mehserle said he believed he was reaching for his Taser. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and received a two year sentence. The newly released documents suggest investigators questioned his account.
According to Vibe, Pirone and officer Marysol Domenici were the first to respond when the train was stopped. Both were fired over the incident, though Domenici was later reinstated with back pay after investigators found her to be truthful.
Grant’s death was one of the first police shootings captured on cell phone video, and it sparked protests over police brutality. BART later settled with Grant’s mother and daughter for a combined $2.8 million, and with five friends who were with Grant that night for $175,000 each.
Made to order and shipped to your door.
