DETROIT, Mich. — The trial for a former Michigan State trooper charged with murder in the death of a Detroit teenager in 2017 is set to begin April 10.
A mistrial was declared in 44-year-old Mark Bessner’s first trial after a jury deadlocked. He faces second degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of 15-year-old Damon Grimes.
According to authorities, Bessner fire his stun gun out of the window of his moving patrol car in August of 2017 when Grimes refused to stop on an ATV.
Grimes then crashed in to a parked truck and he died from his injuries. Bessner quit the force shortly after the accident.
During the first trial, Bessner testified he deployed his Taser because he thought his life was in danger. HE says he saw Grimes reach toward his waist.
Several witnesses testified saying they did not see Grimes’s hands leave the handlebar of the ATV.
Bessner faces up to life in prison if convicted.
The Grimes family has since filed a $50 million civil lawsuit against Bessner accusing him of using excessive force. That suit is still pending.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Appleand Android
and
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.
Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
