Prosecutor dismisses charges against Kenneth Walker, Breonna Taylor’s boyfriend

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Commonwealth’s Attorney Tom Wine announced at a news conference Friday that his office will dismiss the case against Kenneth Walker.

Walkee was charged after he fired one shot out of Taylor’s apartment during a botched police raid, striking a police officer.

Charges dismissed against Kenneth Walker

Walker’s attorney has maintained his client thought they were being robbed and he did not know the intruders were police officers serving a search warrant.

Wine acknowledged the grand jury should have viewed more information before deciding to indict. “I believe additional information is necessary,” Wine said.

The Commonwealth’s Attorney said if after further review he believes that there is sufficient evidence to go back to a grand jury, prosecutors will do so.

Walker will also be given the opportunity to testify, should he choose to do so. 

Benjamin Crump, an attorney representing Taylor’s family released a statement:

“Today, Commonwealth Attorney Tom Wine announced that the charges against Kenneth Walker have been dismissed — charges that never should have been filed. This is a belated victory for justice and a powerful testament to the power of advocacy.

“Kenneth Walker and Breonna Taylor did everything right the night police ambushed their home, killing Breonna. Kenneth called 911, although the Commonwealth Attorney did not play it today. They asked several times who was at the front door without a response. Kenneth fired a non-lethal warning shot from a legally registered gun. Unlike the police, he did not shoot to kill.

“While dismissing the charges is the right thing to do, it comes more than two months after Breonna was killed and Kenneth was arrested. Louisville police spent these months defending their actions and smearing Kenneth’s and Breonna’s good names. This is just another step to the LMPD taking full responsibility for its actions.

“They need to get their story straight. First, they publicized that they knocked and announced. But then they stated they had a no-knock warrant that did not require them to knock and announce. And then today, the prosecutor said on a dry erase board that it was a knock and announce warrant. And they want the public to have faith that they can trust the police in the execution of this warrant. Until everyone involved is held accountable and the full truth of what happened that night is revealed, justice for Kenneth and Breonna is incomplete.

“To everyone who stood with Bre, thank you and continue to raise your voice for justice and for the value of Black lives.”