A Cleveland police officer was acquitted Saturday of charges of voluntary manslaughter in the shooting deaths of two unarmed people in a 137-shot barrage following a high-speed car chase.
Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge John P. O'Donnell ruled that Michael Brelo, 31, a white officer, acted within his constitutional rights in the November 2012 deaths of Timothy Russell and Malissa Williams, two black motorists.
The judge, after reading a 34-page summary of the case, said he found that "Brelo's entire use of deadly force was a constitutionally reasonable response to an objectively reasonably perceived threat of great bodily harm from the occupants of the a Malibu, Russell and Wiliams."
Brelo, his lips quivering, appeared near tears, as the judge delivered the verdict. He then embraced his attorneys and left the courtroom.
Almost immediately, an angry cluster of around 30 protester gathered verdict outside the courthouse, shouting "no justice — no peace" and holding signs in front of sheriff's deputies bearing clear shields.
The plaza in front of the building was cordoned off.
One man stood with his head bowed and hands folded, praying in silence.
On the eve of the verdict, Mayor Frank Jackson called on protesters to remain peaceful.
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