SAINT PAUL, MN – Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announced Wednesday that he has charged police officer Jeronimo Yanez in the July 6 killing of Philando Castile during a traffic stop in the northern Twin Cities suburb of Falcon Heights.
Rep. Raymond Dehn (DFL-Minneapolis) released the following statement:
“Thank you Ramsey County Attorney John Choi for bringing charges against Officer Jeronmio Yanez in the death of Philando Castile. This is another tragic story for our community, our state, and our county. Since 2000, there has been more than 150 police involved deaths in Minnesota, but this is the first officer who has been charged with a crime. Philando Castile did not deserve to die for a traffic stop. While this is a good first step in justice for Philando and his family, these are only charges. A conviction will depend on the trial.
“Words can be hollow; families like his deserve action. As a lawmaker, I am committed to seeing justice as the norm in situations like these, not the exception.”