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Accident – Death – Obituary News : **Connecticut State Police Trooper Found Not Guilty in Fatal Shooting**
**Milford, Connecticut, March 15, 2024** – Connecticut State Police trooper Brian North was acquitted of all charges on Friday in the tragic shooting of 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane, leaving the teenager’s family devastated by the verdict.
**High-Speed Pursuit Leads to Fatal Shooting**
The incident unfolded on Interstate 95 on January 15, 2020, when North, 33, fired seven shots at Soulemane following a high-speed pursuit that ended in a crash off of Exit 43 on Campbell Avenue in West Haven. The Black teen had stolen a Hyundai Sonata and reached for a knife, prompting the fatal confrontation with law enforcement.
**Emotions Run High in Courtroom**
As the jury delivered the not guilty verdict, North remained composed, showing almost no emotion. The decision cleared him of first-degree manslaughter with a firearm and two lesser charges. He left the courthouse with his wife, declining to comment to the media.
**Heartbreak for Soulemane’s Family**
The Soulemane family expressed disappointment and heartbreak over the verdict. Soulemane’s sister, Mariyann Soulemane, broke down in tears, while family members declined to comment to the press. The family’s lawyer, Mark Arons, acknowledged the difficult outcome but accepted the jury’s decision.
**Civil Case Pending**
North’s defense attorney, Frank Riccio, emphasized that a civil case is still pending and refrained from celebrating the verdict. The family’s attorney, Arons, thanked the prosecution team for their efforts and acknowledged the challenges faced by the family in accepting the outcome.
**Calls for Justice**
Following the verdict, protestors gathered outside the courthouse, advocating for justice for Soulemane. David McGuire, executive director of the ACLU of Connecticut, highlighted the need for systemic changes to prevent police violence and racism.
**Controversial Testimony and Deliberations**
The trial spanned eight days of contentious testimony, with family members, police officers, and expert witnesses taking the stand. Deliberations lasted over two days, with the jury requesting to replay certain testimony before reaching a verdict.
**Use of Force Scrutinized**
Throughout the trial, the use of force by law enforcement officers was heavily scrutinized. The prosecution argued that police errors were made following the crash, while the defense maintained that North acted in self-defense to protect fellow officers.
**First Prosecution by Inspector General**
The case marked the first time Inspector General Robert Devlin Jr. brought prosecution against a police officer for the use of deadly force. Devlin contended that North’s actions were not justified, leading to the trial and subsequent acquittal.
**Moving Forward**
As the community grapples with the outcome of the trial, questions remain about accountability in cases of police violence. The Soulemane family and advocates continue to seek justice while navigating the complexities of the legal system..