Cleveland Judge Finds Probable Cause to Charge Cop with Murdering Tamir Rice

A Cleveland judge has found probable cause that police officer Timothy Loehmann should face a murder charge for the November 2014 shooting 12-year-old Tamir Rice.

In his ruling, released Thursday afternoon, Judge Ronald B. Adrine determined that Loehman could be charged with murder, involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide, negligent homicide, and dereliction of duty. His partner, Officer Frank Garmback, who drove the duo’s police cruiser to the scene of the shooting, could be charged with negligent homicide and dereliction of duties.

The judge found that neither officer could be charged with “aggravated murder,” which had been requested by local clergy and activists.

While this ruling is just an advisory opinion, and therefore has no actual legal effect, it serves as a symbolic victory for those who believe the officers should be charged.

Rice’s death made national news late last year after surveillance footage showed the officers pulling up to where the teenager had been playing with a toy gun, and almost immediately fired at him and killed him.

The Cuyahoga County prosecutor is preparing to submit the evidence to a grand jury, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.

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