Former officers seek dismissal in 2021 shooting death due to new use of force statute

Key Takeaways:

• Two former Lawton officers face charges related to a December 2021 incident.
• Quadry Malik Sanders died in the confrontation.
• A newly enacted state use-of-force statute underpins their appeal for dismissal.
• The officers contend that the updated law weakens the case against them.
• This legal challenge reflects ongoing debates over criminal justice and law enforcement.

The 2021 Incident

In December 2021, an encounter between two Lawton police officers and Quadry Malik Sanders ended with Sanders’s death. The officers involved were employed by the Lawton Police Department at the time. They now face charges stemming from the fatal shooting, which has drawn attention from the local community and beyond.

Legal Grounds for Dismissal

The key development in this case is a newly enacted state statute addressing an officer’s use of force. According to the former officers, this legal update fundamentally changes how their actions should be interpreted under the law. They argue that the statute’s provisions justify dismissing the charges and are seeking an appeal based on these grounds.

Reactions and Procedural Developments

While specific court proceedings remain underway, the officers’ request for dismissal hinges on whether the new use-of-force statute applies retroactively to their case. Observers note that any ruling could potentially influence future incidents involving law enforcement and deadly force. For now, the legal arguments presented underscore the broader issues of accountability and criminal justice reform.