A Georgia sheriff’s deputy involved in the shooting of Leonard Cure during a 2023 traffic stop will not face criminal charges.
Cure, 53, was fatally shot three years after being exonerated for a crime he did not commit, for which he served 16 years. The incident happened when Staff Sgt. Buck Aldridge stopped Cure for speeding.
Body camera footage shows Aldridge using a Taser when Cure refused to be handcuffed. Cure then fought back and grabbed Aldridge’s throat, leading the deputy to shoot him at close range.
District Attorney’s Decision
District Attorney Keith Higgins reviewed the body camera footage and decided not to charge Aldridge. According to Higgins, the use of deadly force was justified because Aldridge was being overpowered.
He informed Cure’s family about the decision during a meeting and also notified Aldridge. Higgins emphasized that his decision was based on the evidence seen in the footage.
Family’s Reaction and Legal Action
Cure’s family is devastated by the decision and believes that Aldridge used excessive force. Attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels, representing Cure’s family, called the decision a failure of justice.
They argue that it sends the message that law enforcement can take a life without facing consequences. In response to the incident, Cure’s family filed a federal lawsuit against Aldridge and then-Sheriff Jim Proctor, seeking $16 million.
The lawsuit claims that Aldridge used excessive force and that Proctor ignored his history of violence. The case is still pending in U.S. District Court.
Body Camera Footage Details
The body camera footage played a crucial role in the investigation. It shows Aldridge using a Taser on Cure after he refused to comply with orders.
Cure then fought back, grabbing the deputy’s throat, which led to the shooting. District Attorney Higgins stated that the footage supported his conclusion that Aldridge acted in self-defense.
He emphasized that Aldridge was in a vulnerable position when he used deadly force.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Controversy
The decision not to charge Aldridge has sparked public outrage and renewed debates about police accountability. Many people are questioning the use of deadly force and whether it was truly justified.
Civil rights groups and activists are demanding a more thorough investigation. The case continues to draw national attention as the lawsuit moves forward.
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Lawsuit Against Deputy and Sheriff
Cure’s family’s federal lawsuit accuses Aldridge of using excessive force and blames then-Sheriff Jim Proctor for not addressing the deputy’s history of violent behavior.
The lawsuit seeks $16 million in damages. It alleges that Cure’s death was avoidable and that the situation could have been handled differently. The family’s lawyers are determined to seek justice through the legal system.
Conclusion
The decision not to charge Deputy Aldridge in the fatal shooting of Leonard Cure has left many unanswered questions.
While the district attorney believes the use of deadly force was justified, Cure’s family disagrees and is pursuing a lawsuit to hold the deputy accountable.
The case continues to spark debates about police conduct, accountability, and the justice system’s treatment of exonerated individuals. As the lawsuit progresses, the public will be watching closely to see how the legal battle unfolds.
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