Juror says she regrets conviction of former police officer
NORFOLK, Va. – A juror who helped convict a former Portsmouth police officer of manslaughter says she regrets her decision.
The woman tells WTKR-TV (http://bit.ly/2bjm8BU ) that she felt pressured during deliberations and didn’t learn of the victim’s criminal history until after the verdict. The information was inadmissible at this month’s trial.
Former officer Stephen Rankin shot to death 18-year-old William Chapman II after responding to a shoplifting call last year. Rankin is white. Chapman was black and unarmed.
Witnesses said a struggle ensued. And attorneys argued over whether Rankin should have used deadly force.
Rankin was originally charged with first-degree murder. The jury recommended a 2 1/2-year prison sentence for the manslaughter conviction.
His lawyers plan to appeal. Rankin lost his job after being charged.
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