Prosecutors in Baltimore County ruled that the shooting of Korryn Gaines was justified.
As a result, police will not face charges in connection with the case, Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger said in a press release.
Gaines was killed after an hourslong barricade at her Randallstown apartment on August 1 that began when police went to serve two warrants. Police kicked in the door after there was no response, and Gaines pointed a shotgun at them.
The State’s Attorney’s office described the end of the standoff as follows (paraphrased):
Gaines was sitting on the floor with her son. The shotgun was in her lap. Police said they lost contact with Gaines at 3:24 p.m. Gaines became “highly agitated,” and went into the kitchen, where police had a more limited view. She then pointed the shotgun at police, who were outside the apartment. An officer identified only as Ruby fired through a kitchen wall at her. Gaines then fired back. The officer then went into the kitchen, and Ruby fired another shot, then three more.
Gaines’ 5-year-old son was also wounded by a bullet in the exchange. Police said that it was expanded, “indicating that it had passed through something before striking Kodi.”
The family of Gaines filed a lawsuit last week, challenging the police’s version of events. The NAACP Legal Defense Fund also called for an independent review this week.
