Verdict Coming In Cleveland Officer's Negligent Homicide Trial

The three-day trial of forty-nine-year-old Cleveland officer Alan Buford concluded Friday. The trial stems from a March 19, 2015 encounter between Buford, along with his partner Gregory King, and 18-year-old Brandon Jones outside Parkwood Grocery in Glenville. The officers suspected Jones of robbing the store. The details of what happened during the encounter are disputed, but it ended with Buford shooting Jones in the torso. Buford’s lawyers are arguing self-defense. His partner, King, testified that the shooting was unnecessary.

The charge against Buford, negligent homicide, is a misdemeanor and carries a $1,000 fine in addition to 6 months in prison. Cleveland Municipal Court Judge Michael Sliwinski is considering evidence and testimony before issuing a verdict.