Brett Hankison Convicted in Breonna Taylor Case

A federal jury has convicted former Kentucky police detective Brett Hankison of using excessive force during the 2020 raid that resulted in the death of Breonna Taylor. The jury returned their verdict after deliberating for over 20 hours, finding him guilty of violating Taylor's civil rights but acquitting him regarding the neighbors involved in the raid. This conviction marks the first accountability for a Louisville officer involved in the botched operation, which sparked nationwide protests against racial injustice and police brutality. Hankison argued he was acting to protect his fellow officers during the raid, but the jury's emotional response to the verdict indicated the weight of the case. His sentencing is set for March 12, 2025, and he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. The case remains a pivotal moment in ongoing discussions about police reform and accountability in the U.S.