Jabari Peoples Family Attorneys Drop Petition Eye Wrongful Death Lawsuit

**Legal Developments in Jabari Peoples Case: Rule 27 Petition Dismissed**

Family’s Legal Strategy in Alabama Teen’s Shooting Case

Attorneys representing the family of Jabari Peoples, an Alabama teenager fatally shot by police, have withdrawn their Rule 27 petition against the City of Homewood. The petition aimed to preserve essential evidence for a potential wrongful death and civil rights lawsuit. It had requested the release of bodycam footage, incident reports, use-of-force documentation, and the identification of all officers involved in the incident.

Key Events in Jefferson County Court

On Thursday, the attorneys reviewed the bodycam footage, which was sent to Jefferson County Presiding Judge Elisabeth French by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. After evaluating the video, the petition was dismissed at the attorneys’ request, which Judge French granted. The legal team, initially concerned about possible alterations or partial footage, confirmed that the video matched previous views.

Future Legal Proceedings: Preparing for Federal Lawsuit

Leroy Maxwell, representing the Peoples’ family, stated, “The Rule 27 petition worked. We were able to view and preserve footage.” With this process complete, the focus now shifts toward preparing for a federal lawsuit.

District Attorney and Family Seek Transparency

Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr commented on the petition’s dismissal, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and truth. He stated, “I showed the family the video that was provided to us, and it’s clear today that the video had not been altered.” Meanwhile, civil rights attorney Ben Crump continues to advocate for full transparency, indicating earlier concerns that the family viewed only a short clip of an edited video were valid.

Conflicting Accounts and Remaining Questions

The video footage reportedly depicted Peoples being shot while running away, without pointing a weapon at officers. Although the district attorney supports the police account, calling it a justified action, differing perspectives persist. DA Carr described the incident as a “terrible decision” by Peoples but maintained that legal facts, not emotions, guided the decision.

Incident Details: What the Footage Revealed

According to Carr, the sequence began when an officer, responding to reports of criminal activity, approached a vehicle. The officer detected marijuana, prompting further investigation. The situation escalated as Jabari Peoples allegedly accessed a weapon from the car, resulting in the officer firing a single shot.

Community Response and Future Implications

The reluctance of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to release the video has prompted protests by Black Lives Matter and community activists. Peoples, remembered as a standout athlete and aspiring law enforcement officer, leaves behind a complex case that continues to provoke public discourse and demand transparency.