Federal prosecutors have issued a new indictment against former Louisville officers Joshua Jaynes and Kyle Meany, accusing them of falsifying information on the search warrant that led to Breonna Taylor’s death.
At a Glance
- Federal prosecutors filed new indictments against former Louisville Metro Police officers Kyle Meany and Joshua Jaynes.
- The officers are accused of using false information and omitting details to secure a search warrant for Breonna Taylor’s apartment.
- The new indictments claim the officers deprived Taylor of her civil rights by facilitating the execution of a faulty search warrant.
- Walker fired at officers believing they were intruders; officers responded with 32 shots, killing Taylor.
- Jaynes and Meany were not present during the warrant’s execution.
Overview of the New Indictments
Federal prosecutors have filed new indictments against former Louisville Metro Police officers Kyle Meany and Joshua Jaynes, accusing them of falsifying information on the search warrant that led to Breonna Taylor’s death. These indictments follow a recent federal judge’s decision to dismiss major charges related to the case. Jaynes and Meany are alleged to have knowingly inserted false data into the search warrant affidavit, lacking the required probable cause.
The warrant facilitated a police raid on Taylor’s apartment, during which she was killed when her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, fired at officers under the impression of an intruder break-in. In response, officers fired 32 shots, several of which hit and killed Taylor.
Walker, believing the officers were intruders, acted in self-defense when shooting. Jaynes and Meany were not present during the warrant’s execution but are accused of critical misconduct leading up to the tragic events. The indictment aims to hold them accountable for their actions that night.
The DOJ has filed new indictments against two former Louisville officers tied to Breonna Taylor's 2020 death. These indictments come after a judge dismissed the most severe charges. It’s clear: the legal fight for Breonna’s justice continues, and accountability must be pursued. pic.twitter.com/lhtMY5R2go
— Ben Crump (@AttorneyCrump) October 2, 2024
Details of the Allegations
The officers are accused of using false information and omitting critical details to secure the warrant for Taylor’s apartment. The indictment claims that Jaynes and Meany included misleading and outdated details about drug suspect Jamarcus Glover’s activities at Taylor’s address, contributing to the establishment of probable cause.
The updated charges emphasize that the officers knew Walker had a concealed carry license and had seen his car at Taylor’s apartment but did not inform the executing officers. Additionally, executing officers were told to expect an unarmed young woman inside the apartment, reducing their preparedness for potential threats.
Broader Implications and Next Steps
This indictment expands on previous evidence, highlighting how Jaynes and Meany heightened risks by withholding vital information. The U.S. Department of Justice has appealed the recent judge’s ruling that diminished the severity of the charges against the officers. The appeal could potentially reinstate more severe charges if the judge’s rulings are overturned.
Jaynes now faces additional charges of conspiracy and falsification of records, while Meany is charged with making false statements to federal investigators. Both are scheduled to appear in court on October 18. The continuing legal proceedings underscore the high stakes and ongoing public scrutiny surrounding Breonna Taylor’s death.
