Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old black woman, was shot and killed in her Louisville apartment by plainclothes police officers executing a search warrant shortly after midnight on 13 March 2020. The incident has sparked global protests demanding justice and police reform.
Officers forced entry using a battering ram. Taylor's boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired a single shot from his licensed gun, later stating he believed an intruder had broken in. The bullet struck Sergeant Jonathan Mattingly in the leg. Three officers returned fire, discharging 32 rounds. Taylor was hit and died on the hallway floor.
No drugs were found at the property. The search warrant was based on suspicions that Taylor's ex-boyfriend, Jamarcus Glover, was involved in a drug ring and used her apartment. Glover was arrested on drug charges the same night. He denied Taylor's involvement, and a postal inspector found no evidence of wrongdoing.
In September 2020, one officer, Brett Hankison, was charged with three counts of wanton endangerment for firing into a neighbouring apartment, but not for Taylor's death. The other two officers were not charged. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron stated the officers were justified in self-defence. Taylor's family reached a $12m (£9.4m) settlement with the city in May.
The police report contained errors, including listing Taylor's injuries as 'none' and denying forced entry. Hankison was fired for 'wantonly and blindly' firing 10 rounds. The case continues to fuel calls for justice and reform.
