Former officer on trial for fatal shooting of shoplifting suspect in Virginia

A former police officer in northern Virginia, Wesley Shifflett, is facing trial for the fatal shooting of Timothy McCree Johnson, an unarmed man suspected of shoplifting sunglasses. The incident occurred on February 22, 2023, near Tysons Corner Center, following a report from security guards. Shifflett, who has pleaded not guilty, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and reckless discharge of a weapon. Body camera footage captured the chase and shooting, where Shifflett claimed to have seen Johnson reaching for a weapon, but no weapon was found during the police search. Shifflett was terminated from the Fairfax County Police Department shortly after the incident, as the police chief cited a failure to adhere to use of force policies. Initially, a grand jury did not indict him, but after further investigation led by Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano, a special grand jury was convened, resulting in an indictment. Descano stated that the involuntary manslaughter charge reflects conduct that is gross or wanton without malice. In pre-trial hearings, there was contention over the admissibility of evidence, including Shifflett's past actions towards other shoplifters and Johnson's criminal history. The judge ruled against allowing evidence of Shifflett's previous conduct but permitted the defense to present Johnson's past offenses, which included a vehicle theft and a prior involuntary manslaughter conviction. The trial is significant as it raises questions about police conduct and accountability, particularly regarding the use of force in situations involving unarmed suspects. The outcome may influence public perception of law enforcement practices and the legal standards applied to police officers in similar cases.