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Defense attorney: Prosecution of officer possible

Isaac Brambila
ibrambila@tahoedailytribune.com

A few more details were revealed surrounding the death of Kris Jackson, 22, who died after reportedly being shot by a South Lake Tahoe Police Officer while unarmed during the early hours of June 15.

Sacramento attorney Alan M. Laskin, who represents Jackson’s family, also said he thinks the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office is considering prosecution against the officer.

“We do know it could be several months before the DA’s investigation is complete. He is being very thorough,” Laskin stated in an email Thursday. “It appears to me he is looking to prosecute and will not try to sweep this under the rug.”



The El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office did not comment on Laskin’s thoughts that it might prosecute the officer.

Laskin maintains information his law firm has gathered suggests wrongdoing by the officer.



“What is clear is Kris had no weapons on him or in his room. The involved officer never yelled any commands, Kris was basically sitting in the window (17-inches wide) when he was shot,” Laskin wrote in the email. “The bullet entered the chest and came out the back of the shoulder and the bullet was found to enter the wall of the bathroom about 6-to-8 feet off the ground, meaning the officer shot from below and the trajectory was upward,” he added.

Laskin stated Jackson was wearing only a pair of fleece shorts and socks when the incident occurred. His cellphone was in his pocket.

“This very much looks like an execution. Kris had no chance,” Laskin stated.

According to a press release issued by the city the day after the incident occurred, the officer “perceived a deadly threat” from Jackson. Details about the perceived threat have not been released.

A timeline based on the dispatch interaction with the officers revealed that roughly two minutes and 45 seconds passed between the arrival of the officers at the scene and an ambulance being requested. The crucial action occurred in roughly 28 seconds between reports that Kris was going out the window and an ambulance being requested.

South Lake Tahoe Police Chief Brian Uhler could not be reached for comment regarding Laskin’s statements. Uhler has previously said he cannot comment on the case because there is an ongoing investigation.

Laskin stated he had not learned the shooting officer’s name yet. He was finalizing a public records request on Thursday.

Jackson was shot after two South Lake Tahoe Police officers responded to a call of a woman crying and screaming at the Tahoe Hacienda Inn in the early hours of June 15. Jackson was taken to Barton Memorial Hospital for treatment, but died a few hours later as a result of his injuries. He was reportedly shot once.

An autopsy was scheduled for June 17, but a report is still pending.


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