Albuquerque Cops Who Killed Homeless Man Are Facing Murder Charges

I’m sure many of you remember the death of James Boyd. He was the mentally ill homeless man who was killed by Albuquerque police officers Kieth Sandy and Dominique Perez, back in March of 2014. You may also recall the graphic video of his death, as well as the incriminating recording of comments made by Kieth Sandy before the confrontation, both of which make it clear that James Boyd was murdered by these officers.

For the longest time it seemed like these officers would never face justice for what they did, but that may be about to change. Prosecutor Randi McGinn announced on Monday that she intends to charge the two officers with second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, and aggravated battery. The prosecution will lay out their evidence to a judge in August, who will decide if Perez and Sandy should be taken to court.

Sandy’s defense attorney has since issued a statement defending his client: “There is no justification for charging Keith Sandy with any crime. [Keith Sandy] was a police officer protecting a fellow officer when he shot a mentally unstable man wielding two knives. There is simply no criminal intent.” While it may be his job to defend his client no matter what, somehow how I doubt that a jury will see it that way after watching the body cam footage of James Boyd’s death.