The Minnesota police officer who shot and killed Philando Castile has been charged with second-degree manslaughter.
Castile, a 32-year-old school cafeteria worker, was fatally shot by St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez during a July 6 traffic stop. His girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, began to livestream the encounter on Facebook immediately after. The video was widely shared online and made headlines across the country the following day.
Reynolds, whose young daughter was in the car as well, said Castile was shot while reaching for his identification. His family believes he was racially profiled.
If convicted, Yanez faces a maximum prison sentence of 10 years. He is also facing two felony counts of intentional discharge of a dangerous weapon. The officer’s attorney claims he reacted to the presence of a gun when he opened fire seven times into a car containing the couple and child. Reynolds is heard in the video saying Castile had a license to carry the weapon.
Reynolds will appear in court on Friday.
