A federal jury in Louisville, Kentucky, has convicted Brett Hankison, a former officer of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), for violating the civil rights of Breonna Taylor. The conviction relates to an incident during a search warrant execution in March 2020 that resulted in Taylor's death.
Hankison, aged 46, was found guilty on one count of civil rights abuse. He was charged with depriving Taylor of her constitutional rights by firing five shots through a bedroom window covered with blinds and a blackout curtain. Although his shots did not hit Taylor, the jury determined that Hankison used a dangerous weapon and attempted to kill. He was acquitted on another charge concerning the violation of three neighbors' rights when he fired additional shots through a sliding glass door.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland commented on the verdict: "Today, Brett Hankison was found guilty by a jury of his peers for willfully depriving Breonna Taylor of her constitutional rights. His use of deadly force was unlawful and put Ms. Taylor in harm’s way." Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke also stated: "This defendant is being held accountable for his willful and heinous use of deadly force that endangered the life of Breonna Taylor."
The trial revealed that officers knocked on Taylor's door around 12:45 a.m., announcing themselves as police. After no response, they forced entry. Believing intruders were breaking in, Taylor's boyfriend fired at officers who returned fire, resulting in her death.
Hankison fired from outside the building into the apartment through covered windows and doors. His actions were criticized by law enforcement witnesses who testified that officers are trained not to shoot at unseen targets. The LMPD SWAT unit commander expressed "shock and disbelief" over Hankison's actions.
Hankison's sentencing is scheduled for March 12, 2025. Two other LMPD officers face charges related to preparing and approving a falsified search warrant affidavit linked to the incident.
Detective Kelly Goodlett previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to falsify the affidavit used for obtaining the search warrant at Taylor’s home and covering up their actions post-incident.
The FBI Louisville Field Office conducted the investigation while Special Litigation Counsel Michael J. Songer and Trial Attorney Anna Gotfryd prosecuted the case.