Las Cruces, NM (NMAG) – Attorney General Raúl Torrez has announced the charging of Las Cruces Police Officer, Brad Lunsford, for the shooting death of Presley Eze. Lunsford is facing charges of voluntary manslaughter with a firearm enhancement. The incident occurred on the afternoon of Friday, August 2nd, 2022, at a Chevron gas station located in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
It all started when the gas station attendant called 911 after witnessing Eze leaving the station without paying for a beer. Officer Lunsford was the first officer to respond to the scene and began questioning Eze about the situation. However, after being unable to verify Eze’s identity, Officer Lunsford, along with another officer, decided to forcibly remove Eze from the vehicle in order to detain him. It is important to note that Eze was unarmed and shirtless at the time.
A scuffle ensued as Eze resisted the officers’ attempt to take him into custody, resulting in Eze ending up on the ground on top of one of the responding officers. During the struggle, Eze placed his hand on the second officer’s taser, although it was not cycled or deployed against either officer. In response, Officer Lunsford drew his service weapon and shot Eze on the back, left side of his head at point-blank range.
As part of the investigation into this tragic incident, special agents with the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office consulted with use of force experts who concluded that Lunsford’s use of deadly force was not reasonable under the circumstances. They determined that other less lethal options could have been used to subdue Eze.
Attorney General Torrez expressed his dismay at the situation, describing it as a tragedy and another example of poor police tactics resulting in an unjustifiable use of force. He emphasized his duty, as New Mexico’s chief law enforcement officer, to hold everyone accountable for violations of the law, including police officers who cross the line.
In addition, Torrez appealed to the community to allow the criminal justice system to do its work and urged them to refrain from engaging in public disorder or violence. He emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law and working towards healing the divisions in the country to achieve meaningful progress in reducing violence on the streets.
The decision to charge Officer Lunsford with voluntary manslaughter has been welcomed by the NAACP President Bobbie Greene. While acknowledging that it cannot bring Presley Eze back, Greene expressed hope that it will provide some comfort to the Eze family. The NAACP fully supports the Eze family, including a young child who is now forced to grow up without his father.
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of evaluating and improving police tactics and training to prevent tragic outcomes like the one involving Presley Eze. It highlights the need for officers to consider less lethal options and de-escalation techniques when dealing with individuals who may be resisting arrest for minor offenses.
It is crucial for the community, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers to work together to ensure that incidents like these are thoroughly investigated, and necessary reforms are implemented to prevent their recurrence. Building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve is essential for a safer and more just society.
This incident also underscores the significance of accountability in the criminal justice system. Holding those responsible for violations of the law, regardless of their occupation, is crucial in maintaining the public’s trust and confidence in the system.
As this case proceeds through the criminal justice system, it is essential that all parties involved allow for a fair and impartial investigation and trial. It is through this process that justice can be sought and served for all those affected by this tragic incident.
In conclusion, the shooting death of Presley Eze by Officer Brad Lunsford in Las Cruces, New Mexico, has sparked outrage and demands for accountability. The decision to charge Officer Lunsford with voluntary manslaughter sends a message that no one is above the law, and law enforcement officers must be held to the same standards as the members of the community they serve. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of evaluating police tactics and training to prevent unjustifiable use of force. It highlights the need for law enforcement agencies to prioritize de-escalation techniques and less lethal options to ensure the safety of both officers and the public. Moving forward, it is crucial for communities and law enforcement agencies to work together to rebuild trust and work towards meaningful progress in reducing violence on our streets.
