The Fort Worth, Texas cop who fatally shot Atatiana Jefferson in her own home has been arrested and charged with murder.
Fort Worth PD released a mugshot of Dean following his arrest on Monday evening. He was booked into the Tarrant County Jail and his bond was set at $200,000, Fox 5 DC reports.
Dean, 35, reportedly refused to cooperate with police investigators. He resigned from the Fort Worth police force on Monday morning.
Dean and another cop responded to a non-emergency call to conduct a welfare check at Jefferson’s residence early Saturday.
Neighbor James Smith, 62, called the non-emergency number after he spotted Jefferson’s front door was left open since 10 p.m. Friday.
Jefferson’s 8-year-old nephew was in Jefferson’s bedroom playing a video game when they thought they heard a prowler in the backyard.
She was shot when she walked over to her bedroom window and peered out into the darkness.
Body cam video shows Dean did not give Jefferson sufficient time to respond to his orders before he fired through her bedroom window a split second after telling her to show him her hands.
Dean was identified by Interim Police Chief Ed Kraus during a Monday afternoon press conference.
“Had the officer not resigned I would have fired him for violations of several policies, including our use of force policy, our de-escalation policy, and unprofessional conduct,” Kraus said.
Kraus apologized to Jefferson’s family and vowed to investigate Dean for criminal conduct.
Kraus said Dean refused to cooperate with the investigation. “He resigned before his opportunity to cooperate,” Kraus said.
Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price released a statement on Monday addressing Jefferson’s neighbor James Smith and her 8-year-old nephew.
To Mr. James Smith, I know you are hurting today as well. You called police to check on your neighbor because you cared about her safety and wellbeing. You were being a wonderful neighbor and doing the right thing to make sure she was ok. You are the type of person we all want living next door, watching out for us. Atatiana’s death has eroded your own your sense of safety and trust in law enforcement. I’m truly sorry.
To Atatiana’s nephew, who has witnessed an unspeakable loss — sorry doesn’t really cut it. This entire city needs to surround him with prayers, support, and anything his family needs.
