After months of investigating, the Stone Mountain Circuit District Attorney’s Office says the troopers’ use of lethal force was “objectively reasonable under the circumstances of the case.”
In their report, officials say the troopers spoke with Tortuguita, who refused to leave and zipped up the tent in which they were living.
After an officer fired pepper balls at the tents, officials say that the environmental activist fired multiple shots - hitting Georgia State Patrol Trooper Jerry Parrish below his armor plate and above his belt on his right side and lodging the bullet in his spine. The troopers then returned fire, hitting and killing Tortuguita.
For once, I think the cops may be telling the truth. Getting a bullet in one's spine might be a bit much for a cover story.