In 2008-2009, I posted on the shooting of Robbie Toland by Bellaire police officer Jeff Cotton. With the rendering of today’s verdict, I am not surprised that Cotton got off.
Now, a young man who came to his mother’s defense must carry a bullet in his body near his liver for the rest of his life, and a cop who was trigger-happy and gung-ho on protecing the status quo gets to merrily skip off to live his life.
Justice in America?
No such animal exists for Black Americans.
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Bellaire cop found not guilty in shooting of Robbie Tolan
Bellaire cop found not guilty in shooting of Robbie Tolan by Courtney Zubowski / 11 Newskhou.com
Posted on May 11, 2010 at 11:45 AM
Updated today at 4:35 PM
HOUSTON— Jurors returned a not guilty verdict Tuesday in the trial of Bellaire police Sgt. Jeff Cotton.
Cotton was on trial for aggravated assault by a public servant for the 2008 shooting of Robbie Tolan.
The 10-year veteran officer shot Robbie Tolan outside Tolan’s home in the 800 block of Woodstock in Bellaire on New Year’s Eve. Cotton mistakenly thought the car Tolan and his cousin, Anthony Cooper, were in was stolen.
In closing arguments Tuesday morning, defense attorneys told jurors they have an awesome responsibility.
“They are asking that you change his title to Sgt. Cotton to convicted felon Cotton,” said defense attorney Paul Aman.
Cotton was on the scene for 32 seconds before he shot Tolan. Bellaire Police Officer John Edwards made the initial stop in front of the Tolan home. He called for backup after Edwards testified that he lost control of the scene.
“Cotton knew there was a stolen car and there were two auto theft suspects out of the car and he needs help, that’s all he knows,” Aman told jurors.
Earlier in the trial, Sgt. Cotton testified that Tolan did not follow commands. He was in fear for his life because he thought Tolan had a gun.
“Robbie Tolan was lying face down and he jumps up quickly and turns making a motion,” said Aman. “He is bringing his hands across the area of his waistband.”
Cotton fired three shots. One of the bullets hit Tolan in the chest.
“He is going to carry Cotton’s bullet in his liver for the rest of his life,” said prosecutor Clint Greenwood.
In closing, Greenwood told jurors their decision will have an impact not only on the people directly involved with this case.
“It will send reverberations through the community,” he said.
Greenwood told the jury prosecutors have proven every element of their case. He said Cotton was reckless in his actions. Greenwood said Tolan was not a threat.”It’s not a comedy, it’s a tragedy of errors,” said Greenwood. “They don’t run, they don’t threaten him, they argue with him.”
Greenwood said while defense attorneys contend this is a case of an officer defending himself, it’s not.
“At the end of the day an unarmed man is shot by a Bellaire police officer,” said Greenwood.
If convicted, Cotton could have faced up to life in prison.
Ann
The jury found him NOT Guilty, end of story, everyone needs to get over it. Just a small amount of respect from the tolans would have avoided the entire incident.
The cop was GUILTY. He may have not been convicted by man, but he & his children & his children’s children will be convicted by GOD for the rest of their lives. Judgment is pronounced against him, the Bellaire police department, the defense attorneys, the jurors who presided over the case, & John Rasinger for generations to come.