The First Degree Episode 245: La’Reko Williams
On the evening of July 20th, 2011, 21-year-old La’Reko Antonious Williams goes to the movies with his girlfriend in Charlotte, North Carolina. As they prepare to go home using public transportation, the young couple begins arguing. The situation turns violent. Several bystanders call 911, and Police Officer Michael Forbes arrives on the scene. After a tense conversation, Officer Forbes commands La’Reko to get on the ground. When La’Reko doesn’t comply, Officer Forbes tases him in the chest. La’Reko falls to the ground, conscious but in pain. Then, Officer Forbes tases him for a second time. Minutes later, La’Reko dies from cardiac arrest. In the years to come, La’Reko’s family, community, and the Charlotte court system will try to understand if Officer Forbes’s second tase was excessive force. In episode 245, Jac and Alexis unravel La’Reko’s story, the dangers of Tasers, and the complexities behind police brutality.
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