Enis Jevric, a sergeant with the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C., pleaded guilty last Friday to using excessive force, which resulted in the fatal shooting of An’Twan Gilmore on August 25, 2021. Jevric was also convicted of involuntary manslaughter under D.C. law.
As per the indictment, Jevric faced three counts. The first charge deprived 27-year-old Gilmore of his right to be free from excessive force while Jevric was acting in an official capacity. The charge revolves around Jevric’s use of his MPD-issued firearm to fatally shoot Gilmore. The second count accused Jevric of breaking federal law by using a firearm to commit second-degree murder. Finally, the third count charged Jevric with second-degree murder under the D.C. Code. If convicted on these offenses, Jevric could face a life sentence.
Matthew M. Graves, the US Attorney for the District of Columbia, expressed his appreciation for police’s work in maintaining the security of communities but emphasized the need for accountability,
“Officer Jevric violated the Constitution and abused his position by recklessly using deadly force where none was necessary, resulting in the tragic and unjustified loss of Mr. Gilmore’s life — a tragedy that has permanently changed the lives of Mr. Gilmore’s family and friends. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting the civil rights of everyone within the District and to holding accountable all who violate those rights.”
In response to the DOJ’s press release stating that Jevric’s actions amounted to unconstitutional and unjustifiable force, Jevric has acknowledged his guilt. He admitted to acting intentionally, displaying reckless disregard for Gilmore’s Fourth Amendment right to be protected from excessive force by law enforcement. Jevric was also forced to recognize that his actions posed an immediate threat to Gilmore’s life and fell markedly below the standard of care expected.
Follow the case in full detail on JURIST – News.