Rusten Sheskey, Officer Who Shot Jacob Blake, Won't' Be Charged By DOJ: Report

BY Erika Marie 1107 Views
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Jacob Blake
The Department of Justice announced that federal charges will not be sought against Sheskey, who shot Blake seven times in August 2020.

The Jacob Blake case has become the topic of social media discussions following the latest news to be released about the officer responsible, Rusten Sheskey. In August 2020, Officer Sheskey shot Blake seven times after responding to a domestic dispute in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The incident prompted protests to erupt across the city, and another controversial case—that of alleged teen killer Kyle Rittenhouse—was birthed. Meanwhile, Blake was left paralyzed and in a wheelchair.

There have been calls for justice, however, Officer Sheskey reportedly was allowed to return to work. On Friday (October 8), more information about this case was shared, causing the Blake shooting to once again be debated online.

In a press release, the Department of Justice has determined that Sheskey would not face federal prosecution. 

According to CNN:

They came to the conclusion there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt Sheskey acted with the deliberate and specific intent to do something the law forbids. Accidents, mistakes, fear, negligence and bad judgment are insufficient to establish a willful federal criminal civil rights violation.

Sheskey has maintained that during the encounter, he feared for his life and shot Blake as the 29-year-old attempted to flee the scene with children in the back seat of a vehicle. Blake has denied wrongdoing, although prosecutors claimed that there was camera footage that showed Blake charging at the officer with a knife.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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