As we all tragically witnessed via Facebook Live last week, Minnesota resident Philando Castile was shot in the arm multiple times. Shortly after he was shot he died in the front seat of his girlfriend’s car as she recorded the entire incident for the world to witness.
Last week’s shooting resulted in nationwide protests, as many people believe it was racially inspired. Today, the Hennepin County medical examiner ruled Castile’s death homicide. The case will now go to trial and news reports that Judge Hatchett has signed on to represent Philando Castile’s family.
Judge Hatchett is an Emory University School of Law graduate. Her career excelled tremendously after college as she eventually became Georgia’s first African-American Chief Presiding Judge of a state court and a juvenile court judge in Fulton country for 10 years. In 2000 she became the center of the nationally syndicated show Judge Glenda Hatchett, which ran for eight consecutive seasons before its cancellation.
Judge Hatchett expressed her sentiments on the topic of the recent police brutality incidents that have happened. She stated, “I am deeply concerned about what seems to be an epidemic of African-American men being killed by police officers. We have often seemed demonstrations and debates and I raise the critical question, ‘When will there be systemic reform?’ Reform such that, citizens are not in fear of their lives when stopped and questioned by the police.”
Judge Hatchett and Castile’s mother are holding a news conference tomorrow at the Minnesota State Capitol building to explain what reform actions they are currently seeking.
