Closing arguments are scheduled for today in the trial of a Cleveland police officer facing manslaughter charges. ideastream’s Nick Castele reports the judge—not a jury—will decide the case.
The trial of Officer Michael Brelo has lasted four weeks. Brelo was one of 13 officers to open fire on Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams after a car chase that drew more than 60 vehicles in pursuit.
Police fired 137 gunshots, of which Brelo fired 49. Prosecutors said he climbed on the hood of the car and fired a number of rounds down through the windshield.
Brelo’s defense attorneys said he feared for his life after the car drove at officers in the parking lot of an East Cleveland middle school after dark.
Police believed Russell and Williams were armed, but a later investigation never found a gun on them, or along the chase route.
Judge John O’Donnell has heard testimony on whether Brelo continued shooting after the other officers stopped and whether he fired fatal shots.
Though arguments will finish up today, O’Donnell said it could be more than a week before he reaches a verdict.
