Officer Thought Victim Had Gun
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A white officer indicted for murder in the shooting death of a black teenager told investigators he thought the youth was going to kill him, according to court documents filed Thursday.
McKenzie Mattingly said he thought 19-year-old Michael Newby was carrying a concealed weapon as the two struggled over the officer’s service handgun. The teen was shot in the back three times.
The officer said he never saw a weapon; other officers said a pistol was tucked in Newby’s waistband.
A grand jury has indicted Mattingly, 31, on murder and wanton endangerment charges. Mattingly has pleaded not guilty and is free on bond. If convicted, he could receive 20 years to life.
Newby was the seventh black man killed by police in the last five years in Louisville.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
