Justice was served yesterday when a federal jury convicted former Kentucky police detective Brett Hankison of using excessive force during the botched 2020 drug raid that tragically resulted in the death of Breonna Taylor.
Decision came after a tense deliberation process lasting over 20 hours across three days. While jurors acquitted Hankison earlier in the evening on a charge related to using excessive force on Taylor’s neighbors, they ultimately found him guilty of a charge pertained to Taylor’s constitutional rights. Tears were shed in the courtroom as the verdict was announced shortly after 9 p.m. Friday. Earlier that day, the jurors had informed the judge that they were deadlocked on the Taylor charge but chose to continue deliberating.
Outside the federal courthouse, Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, celebrated the verdict, expressing relief after a long and arduous journey seeking justice. “It took a lot of time. It took a lot of patience. It was hard,” she shared. “The jurors took their time to really understand that Breonna deserved justice.”
Hankison fired ten shots into Taylor’s glass door and windows during the raid, without hitting anyone. Some of the bullets went into the apartment next door. Attorney General Merrick Garland acknowledged the significance of the verdict, stating that Hankison’s “use of deadly force was unlawful and put Ms. Taylor in harm’s way,” and emphasizing the ongoing pursuit of full accountability. The conviction carries a possible life sentence, with sentencing scheduled for March 12.
This retrial marked a second attempt to convict Hankison on charges of violating Taylor’s and her neighbors’ civil rights through his actions during the raid. A mistrial was declared last year after an initial jury failed to reach a unanimous decision. Prosecutors focused the indictment on specific charges alleging Hankison used unconstitutionally excessive force as an officer, narrowing the scope compared to the first trial. They focused primarily on Hankison’s firing through Taylor’s bedroom window covered by blinds and curtains, and through her neighbors’ sliding glass door similarly obscured. Both charges stemmed from Hankison’s alleged reckless use of a weapon and intent to kill.
The March 13, 2020 raid took place after midnight and involved seven officers entering Taylor’s apartment using a “no-knock” warrant as part of a drug investigation. Taylor, an EMT, was asleep with her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, who fired one shot because he believed intruders were breaking in. Police responded with gunfire, tragically resulting in Taylor’s death. No narcotics were found in the apartment.
Hankison, who claimed he believed there was a continuous exchange of gunfire and was acting to protect his fellow officers, maintained that his actions were justified. He stated that he felt there was an active threat to the officers on the scene, likening the sounds to a “semiautomatic rifle making its way down the hallway and executing everybody in my (group).”
Hankison’s attorney argued that he acted within the bounds of the law, stating during closing arguments, “This case is about Brett Hankison’s 10 shots that never hit anyone. Brett Hankison is charged with violating the constitutional rights of people he never met and never knew existed.”
As a result of Taylor’s death, Kentucky enacted new legislation in 2021 limiting the use of no-knock warrants. The Justice Department pursued civil rights violations against Hankison and three other former Louisville officers, with charges against the other three officers for allegedly falsifying the affidavit used to obtain the search warrant for Taylor’s apartment. Federal prosecutors later filed an amended indictment after a judge dismissed major felony charges against two of the former officers.
If convicted of the federal charges, Hankison faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Time.news Interview: The Breonna Taylor Case and the Broader Implications for Policing and Justice
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lisa Bennett, criminal justice scholar and expert on police reform. The recent conviction of former detective Brett Hankison is a pivotal moment in the Breonna Taylor case. How significant do you think this verdict is in the context of police accountability?
Dr. Lisa Bennett: Thank you for having me. This verdict is extraordinarily significant—not just for Breonna Taylor’s family, but for the broader movement advocating for police accountability in the United States. It sends a message that excessive force, especially in a case that has garnered national attention, will not be tolerated. It reinforces the idea that law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions, particularly when those actions lead to tragic outcomes.
Interviewer: During the trial, the jury spent over 20 hours deliberating. What do you think that tells us about the challenges jurors face in cases involving law enforcement?
Dr. Lisa Bennett: This lengthy deliberation highlights the complexities involved in cases like this. Jurors often wrestle with the nuances of the law, the evidence presented, and the emotional weight of the case. In this situation, they had to parse out their decision regarding Hankison’s actions during the raid and whether those actions violated Breonna’s constitutional rights. It can be difficult for jurors to separate their emotions from legal standards, especially when the victim’s life was lost in such an unfortunate and preventable manner.
Interviewer: You mentioned emotional weight. Tamika Palmer, Breonna Taylor’s mother, expressed relief after the verdict was reached. How important are these personal narratives in the pursuit of justice?
Dr. Lisa Bennett: Personal narratives play a crucial role in shaping public perception and understanding of justice cases. They humanize the statistics and legal jargon, reminding us that behind every case is a real person whose life has been dramatically affected. For someone like Tamika Palmer, the story of her daughter is filled with pain, grief, and a longing for justice. Her voice carries significant weight and resonates deeply with others who have faced similar losses.
Interviewer: The conviction carries a possible life sentence. What impact do you think this might have on sentencing outcomes in similar cases?
Dr. Lisa Bennett: The potential for a significant sentence sets a precedent that could deter excessive force and other civil rights violations by police officers in the future. It communicates that there are serious consequences for such actions, which may encourage law enforcement to adhere more closely to established guidelines and protocols. However, it’s essential that this is not viewed as a standalone event—real change will require systemic reforms across policing practices.
Interviewer: Hankison’s behavior during the raid was described as firing into Taylor’s apartment without regard for lives. In your opinion, how does this case tie into the ongoing discussions about “no-knock” warrants and policing practices?
Dr. Lisa Bennett: The Breonna Taylor case has ignited a broader conversation about the use of “no-knock” warrants and aggressive policing policies. Many advocates argue that these tactics disproportionately endanger marginalized communities and lead to tragic outcomes, as we saw with Breonna. This case underscores the urgent need to revisit and assess these practices critically. Reforming these policies could prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Interviewer: in light of this verdict, what steps do you think should be taken moving forward to ensure justice is served not just for Breonna Taylor, but for others who have faced similar injustices?
Dr. Lisa Bennett: Moving forward, it’s imperative that we focus on comprehensive police reform—this includes better training, accountability measures, and community engagement to ensure that police actions reflect the values of the communities they serve. Additionally, we need to foster dialogue between law enforcement and community members to rebuild trust. Only through collective efforts can we strive to create a safer and more just society for everyone.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Bennett, for your insights on this crucial topic. The hope is that this case will serve as a catalyst for change in the justice system.
Dr. Lisa Bennett: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we keep the conversation going and push for meaningful reforms. Breonna Taylor’s legacy should spur us all toward greater accountability and justice.