Kim Potter Will Do Time For Daunte Wright Killing
Minneapolis (KROC AM News) - Former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter has been given a prison sentence but not as long as called for under state guidelines.
Judge Regina Chu Friday sentenced Potter to 24 months behind bars.
Potter was facing a presumptive sentence of 86 months for the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright last year.
Chu said she made her decision primarily because Potter’s conduct was less serious than typical manslaughter cases. Potter was convicted of 1st and 2nd-degree manslaughter.
Chu said because Potter’s reckless act resulted in Wright’s death, there should be some accountability. But she noted Potter “never intended to use her firearm." The judge also noted the scene was “chaotic and intense and rapidly evolving” and Potter "was required to make a split-second judgment." The judge also noted Potter “was acting in the line of duty while trying to make a lawful arrest.”
Before sentencing, Potter briefly addressed the court and Wright’s family, speaking while crying and expressing remorse for what she had done. Wright’s parents and other family members also addressed the court.
The judge also revealed she had received hundreds of letters of support for Potter and she “had read all of them.”
Just before announcing the sentence, Chu said the Potter case was not the same as two other high-profile cases involving deadly force by former Minneapolis police officers (Derek Chauvin and Mohamad Noor). Chu said, “ This was a cop who made a tragic mistake.”
With good behavior and credit for time served, Potter will likely be released from prison in just over a year from now.