EVERETT, Wash. - An Everett police officer charged with murder and manslaughter will soon learn his fate.
Closing arguments in the trial of Officer Troy Meade wrapped up late Friday. The jury had only 30 minutes of deliberation before heading home Friday evening. Deliberations will resume on Monday.
Meade, 41, is accused of using excessive force on a drunk driver in June of last year. Prosecutors say that Meade had other
less lethal options before he decided to open fire on Niles Meservey, 51, of Stanwood.
Meservey died with seven gunshot wounds to his upper body.
Meade claims Meservey attempted to run him over using his corvette after several attempts to talk him out of the car.
"The defendant has more options. He didn't even attempt to take cover before he decided to shoot, Prosecutor Matt Baldock
told the jury. "It proves that he had no situational awareness and didn't even give (Meservey) a chance"
Meade's defense attorney David Allen made his argument that the shooting was not out of malice, but self-defense. "Troy was put in a dangerous situation and had to protect himself," Allen said. "There was no intent to kill."
Meade, an 11-year veteran, is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the trial.
Many in the law community are watching the trial very carefully. Former federal prosecutor-turned defense attorney Jeffrey Lustick says no matter what the outcome is, it will affect the way officers are scrutinized when they use deadly force.
"This trial is a test of an officer use of force level," says Lustick. "If acquitted, this officer could be working with the same trial lawyers who have him on trial right now for murder."
Lustick says there could also be concern that an officer may think twice before using deadly force, if the officer knows they
may be charged with murder.
"It's a very interesting case," said Lustick.
Meade could face up to 18 years behind bars if convicted.
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