Ex-LMPD Detective Hankison Appeals Civil Rights Conviction, Sentence

Brett Hankison, the former Louisville Metro Police detective convicted of violating Breonna Taylor's civil rights during the 2020 botched raid that led to her death, has filed an appeal against both his conviction and 33-month prison sentence. Hankison was found guilty in November 2024 after multiple prior attempts to prosecute him, including a mistrial in 2023 and acquittal on state charges in 2022. The Department of Justice had recommended a minimal sentence of one day in prison plus supervised release, a stance that drew criticism from social justice advocates. Hankison fired ten shots into Taylor's apartment, none of which hit her but endangered neighbors; he was acquitted of charges related to the neighbors' civil rights. The appeal notice does not detail the legal arguments his defense will use, while Taylor's family attorney expressed confidence that the conviction will stand. This case remains a significant catalyst for racial justice activism, reflecting ongoing scrutiny of police conduct in the United States.