Louisville, Ky. – The Kentucky Court of Appeals has upheld the termination of former Louisville police detective Myles Cosgrove, who was fired for his role in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor in March 2020.

The court’s decision, which was unanimous, affirmed the actions taken by former Police Chief Yvette Gentry, who terminated Cosgrove in January 2021 for violations of the department’s use of force policy.

Violation of Use of Force Policy

Cosgrove’s termination stemmed from his actions during the raid on Taylor’s apartment. The court found that Cosgrove failed to properly identify a target” or justify the number of shots fired, as he never saw a gun and could only see a shadowy figure. Additionally, Cosgrove violated the department’s use of force policy by failing to use a body camera.

Lack of Clear Target

The court highlighted that Cosgrove was not clear on who he was firing at and whether there were multiple people in the line of fire. Despite firing 16 rounds, Cosgrove could not articulate a reason for the number of shots fired or justify that he saw a threat where deadly force was necessary.

Response to Allegations

Cosgrove argued that he made a split-second, life-or-death decision after seeing a muzzle flash and a figure in the hallway. He contended that his termination was politically motivated due to widespread criticism of the department following Taylor’s death.

Distinction in Treatment

Cosgrove also argued that he was treated differently than Sgt. John Mattingly, who was involved in the same incident. However, the court noted that Mattingly’s actions were excused to some extent because he was shot in the leg, which affected his ability to aim, and he had a clearer view of his target.

Conclusion

The Kentucky Court of Appeals’ decision to uphold Cosgrove’s termination reaffirms the accountability expected from law enforcement officers. The ruling underscores the importance of adherence to department policies and the consequences of failing to do so. As this story continues to develop, the pursuit of justice for Breonna Taylor remains a focal point in discussions surrounding police conduct and accountability.

Source: WDRB Media, 2024
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