Franklin County Sheriff Back on Trial for Assault

The trial of Daniel Gonzalez, accused of killing Frank Rojas with a makeshift zip gun in February 2020, continued in Fresno, California, with witnesses, including police detectives, testifying about Gonzalez's identification and the improvised firearm found near him. Concurrently, John Grismore's retrial in Vermont focuses on allegations of unnecessary use of force when he allegedly kicked a handcuffed detainee, with dueling use-of-force experts presenting differing interpretations of the incident captured on video. Witnesses for the state emphasized that Grismore's actions were unwarranted, while the defense argued it was a mere 'foot push' to maintain distance. In Dinwiddie County, the defense for Wavie Jones, charged in the death of Irvo Otieno while in custody, called witnesses to argue against the prosecution's case, including former deputies who had their charges withdrawn. This case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues within Virginia's mental health system. The outcomes of these trials could have lasting implications for law enforcement protocols and community safety.