Truth behind Breonna Taylor decision revealed from cops knocking on door and her boyfriend firing first
NEW details of the horrific sequence of events that lead to Breonna Taylor's death have been revealed.
Kentucky's Attorney General shared how extensive research carried out by cops shows officers knocked before entering, Breonna's boyfriend fired fist and how she was tragically killed by just one bullet - despite being hit six times.
The 26-year-old frontline medic was at her home in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 13.
The state's investigation revealed Breonna was shot six times after cops fired 32 bullets, but only one gun shot wound was fatal.
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron also shared that Ms Taylor, who was thought to have died in her bed after the theory was widely shared on social media, was killed standing next to her boyfriend - who fired the first shots, Cameron said.
The Attorney General informed reporters during a press conference Wednesday the full sequence of events from the night were compiled using 911 calls and witness interviews as there was a lack of bodycam footage.
He also confirmed officers did knock while serving a warrant at apartment 4 of 3003 Springfield Drive early in the morning on March 13 - a fact previously disputed.
He explained: "The officers were advised by superiors to knock and announce their presence in serving this specific search warrant.
"Sergeant Mattingly and detectives Cosgrove and Hankison had no known involvement in the proceeding investigation or obtainment of the search warrant.
"They were called in to duty as the extra personnel to effectuate the service of the search warrant.
"They only had information conveyed to them in their prior briefing. They knocked and announced their presence at the apartment.
'Their statements are corroborated by an independent witness near to the proximity of apartment 4. In other words, the warrant was not served as a no-knock warrant."
Cameron continued officers then attempted to enter the property after receiving no reply.
Officer Mattingly then entered the apartment, and claims he saw Breonna's boyfriend - Kenneth Walker - holding a gun, and looked as tough he was "in a shooting stance".
Mr Walker's weapon was legally held, and he claims he believed the officers were burglars.
Cameron continued: "Mr Walker admitted that he fired one shot and was the first one to shoot," adding Mattingly was likely not shot by "friendly fire" from other officers, evidence shows.
He continued Mattingly fired six shots in return, Cosgrove fired 16, and Hankinson fired ten.
Cameron said: "Sergeant Mattingly returned fire down the hallway. Mattingly fired six shots.
"Almost simultaneously, detective Cosgrove, also in the doorway, shot 16 times.
"This all took place in a matter of seconds. In total, six bullets struck Ms Taylor."
Detective Hankison - the only officer in the case who has been charged - fired ten shots, some through a glass door and some through a window, he said.
"Some bullets traveled through apartment four and into apartment three before some exited that apartment," the Attorney General said.
He added: "At the time, three residents of apartment three were at home including a male, a pregnant female, and a child," concluding there was no evidence any of Hankinson's bullets hit Breonna.
"Ballistics analysis concluded the fatal shot was fired by Detective Cosgrove," Cameron said.
None of the officers were charged with her death, he said, adding: "According to Kentucky law, the use of force by Mattingly and Cosgrove was justified to protect themselves."
According to a lawsuit filed by her family, her killing was the result of a botched drug-warrant execution.
Cops were looking for suspect who allegedly dated Taylor two years ago.
But the man was arrested in a separate raid ten miles away on the same night officers entered her apartment.
Ms Taylor's tragic death has sparked mass protests across America.
On Wednesday, September 23, .
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They include three counts of wanton endangerment for shooting into a home next to Taylor’s with people inside.
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Ultimately, no cops were charged in Taylor's death – leading to unrest in Louisville following the decision.
Protests broke out in the Kentucky city, and in cities across the country, after prosecutors made the announcement.
