Grand jury clears former officer in church deacon's death

In August 2023, Johnny Hollman Sr., a 62-year-old church deacon, died following a struggle with former Atlanta police officer Kiran Kimbrough after a minor car accident. Hollman, who was driving home from Bible study at his daughter's house, refused to sign a citation issued by Kimbrough after he collided with another vehicle. This refusal led to a confrontation between the two, captured on body camera footage, where Kimbrough demanded Hollman comply. The situation escalated when Kimbrough grabbed Hollman's arm and used a Taser on him multiple times. Hollman shouted that he couldn't breathe, became unresponsive, and later died in a hospital. The autopsy revealed that Hollman's death was a homicide that also involved underlying heart disease. Despite the tragic circumstances, the Fulton County grand jury chose not to indict Kimbrough on manslaughter charges, stating a lack of evidence linking his actions directly to Hollman's death. Kimbrough's attorney argued that Hollman's medical complications and his resistance during the arrest played significant roles in the fatal outcome. The grand jury’s decision has left Hollman's family devastated; they had sought justice for what they deemed excessive use of force. Following this incident, Kimbrough was fired from the Atlanta Police Department for his actions during the arrest, particularly for not obtaining approval from a supervisor before making a physical arrest. The police department has since adjusted its policy regarding citations, allowing officers to simply note a refusal to sign instead of making arrests in such instances. The city of Atlanta also agreed to settle a lawsuit with Hollman’s family for $3.8 million, reinforcing the family’s claims that excessive force was used leading to Hollman’s death. The case has sparked discussions regarding police accountability and the treatment of individuals during traffic stops. Hollman's family, represented by attorneys, expressed their intent to continue advocating for justice and accountability, stating that the decision not to indict reflects a troubling trend in policing since the summer of 2020, when calls for reform intensified in the wake of high-profile instances of police violence and misconduct. The sentiment expressed by the family highlights the ongoing debate over law enforcement practices, community trust, and the criminal justice system's response to such incidents.