Former Louisville police officer Brett Hankison was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for violating Breonna Taylor’s civil rights during the fatal 2020 raid on her home.
Hankison was convicted for firing 10 rounds blindly into Taylor’s apartment. Although his bullets didn’t strike anyone, some entered a neighboring unit.
DOJ Recommended Leniency
The Department of Justice had recommended Hankison receive just one day in prison, a suggestion that drew criticism from Taylor’s family.
Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, expressed frustration, calling the DOJ’s approach “disrespectful” and criticizing the presence of a new prosecutor at sentencing who she felt argued more for the defendant than for justice.
Protests and Public Outcry
Outside the courthouse, demonstrators protested in support of Taylor’s family. Four protesters, including Taylor’s aunt, Bianca Austin, were arrested during the demonstration.
Kenneth Walker, Taylor’s boyfriend who fired a shot during the raid believing intruders were breaking in, said he felt “grateful” for some justice, noting Hankison once threatened that Walker would spend his life in prison.
Judge Denies New Trial
Before sentencing, U.S. District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings rejected Hankison’s request for a new trial, calling his motion “nebulous and disjointed.”
Hankison was acquitted of a separate charge related to the civil rights of Taylor’s neighbors. Prosecutors maintained his gunfire was reckless, endangered lives, and violated Taylor’s constitutional rights.
For more on Taylor’s case, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.