On July 8, 2010, a Los Angeles jury found ex-Bay Area Rapid Transit police officer Johannes Mehserle guilty of involuntary manslaughter for shooting an unarmed black man in an Oakland transit station.
On January 1, 2009, Mehserle was called to the Oakland transit station because of a fight on a Bay Area Rapid Transit train. When he arrived on the scene, he stated that he intended to subdue Oscar Grant with his Taser. Instead, he withdrew and fired his handgun, killing Grant.
At trial, he claimed that he made a mistake and did not intend to shoot Grant. The jury could have convicted him of second degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, or found him not guilty.
Under California Penal Code section 192(b), involuntary manslaughter is the unlawful killing of another human being while committing a misdemeanor or while performing a lawful act in a negligent way. It is punishable by 2, 3, or 4 years in state prison. (California Penal Code section 193(b).)
If you or someone you know has been accused of a homicide such as murder, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will review the facts and the law with you to get the best possible result. At Wallin & Klarich, we have over 30 years experience defending a variety of criminal matters, including murder and manslaughter. Call us today at (888) 280-6839 or visit us at our website at www.wklaw.com. We will be there when you call.
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