Former Louisiana police officer accused of shooting unarmed Black man faces second criminal charge
State prosecutors have added a charge of felony malfeasance in office against a former Louisiana police officer accused of fatally shooting an unarmed Black man earlier this year
![Police Shooting Death Louisiana](https://static.independent.co.uk/2023/07/24/23/Police_Shooting_Death_Louisiana_12578.jpg)
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
State prosecutors have added a second felony charge against a former Louisiana police officer accused of fatally shooting an unarmed Black man earlier this year.
The second criminal charge of felony malfeasance was added Monday as former Shreveport officer Alexander Tyler, who is white, was arraigned on charges of shooting Alonzo Bagley at an apartment complex in February. Tyler and another officer were responding to a report by Bagley's wife of a domestic disturbance.
Tyler pleaded not guilty to first-degree negligent homicide and felony malfeasance.
Body camera footage shows officers knocking on Bagley’s door, Bagley retreating into his apartment, and then jumping off a second-floor balcony. The video shows Tyler catching Bagley and shooting him once in the chest, and then officers begging him to stay alive while trying to administer first aid.
Tyler was charged with negligent homicide on Feb. 16 by the Louisiana State Police, about two weeks after the shooting. State police typically investigate shootings involving police officers in Louisiana.
“These charges are extremely disappointing," Dhu Thompson, Tyler's defense lawyer, said Monday. "However, we have been prepared since day one to bring the case and facts therein to an impartial jury. We look forward to our day in court.”
Both negligent homicide and malfeasance in office carry sentences of up to 5 years in prison.
Relatives of Bagley have filed a $10 million lawsuit against Tyler, who had been an officer for about two years before he resigned in March.
Family members hired Louisiana attorney Ronald Haley, who has represented other high-profile clients, including the family of Ronald Greene, a Black motorist whose 2019 death in state police custody in north Louisiana prompted lawsuits and criminal charges against law enforcement officers.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.