Oklahoma cops charged with murder after tasing local man more than 50 times
Two police officers from the Wilson Police Department in Carter County, Oklahoma, are facing charges of 2nd Degree Murder after the hospitalization and subsequent death of 28-year-old Jared Lakey. Lakey died on July 6, 2019 after being tased by 25-year-old Joshua Taylor and 34-year-old Brandon Dingman, both officers on the Wilson Police Department. And Lakey wasn’t just tased once or twice.
Court documents said the two officers used their stun guns on Lakey more than 50 times, “which greatly exceeded what would have been necessary or warranted by the attendant circumstances,” and was a “substantial factor” in Lakey’s death. ~ CBS News
Following the tasing of Lakey, which occurred shortly before midnight on July 4, 2019, the Carter County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) assist with the investigation.
Taylor and Dingman were responding to a call that involved Lakey acting in a disorderly way.
When Lakey would not comply with commands from the officers, Taylor and Dingman used their tasers “multiple times.” A Carter County deputy eventually responded to the scene and was able to assist with getting Lakey in custody. Shortly thereafter, Lakey stopped breathing and became unresponsive.
Lakey was transported to the hospital in Healdton and then to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, which is where he died.
Upon conclusion of the OSBI investigation of the circumstances that led to Lakey’s death, a report was submitted to the District Attorney’s office.
On July 1, 2020, the DA’s office issued arrest warrants for Taylor and Dingman. On the morning July 2, 2020, both officers turned themselves in to the Carter County Sheriff’s Office. They were booked on one count each of 2nd Degree Murder.
If found guilty, Taylor and Dingman each faces a jail sentence of 10 years to life. Both were given a $250,000 bond and both have since bonded out.
(Source: OSBI)
~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
