MILWAUKEE (AP) — The former Milwaukee police officer on trial for killing a black man after a brief foot chase says he will not testify as his defense attorneys begin presenting their case. Dominique Heaggan-Brown announced his decision Friday after prosecutors finished presenting evidence in a shooting that sparked riots in the predominantly black neighborhood where it happened. The trial adjourned for the day after his announcement. Bodycam footage from Heaggan-Brown shows the former officer chasing after 23-year-old Sylville Smith immediately after police pulled up to Smith’s car. Smith was holding a gun but he threw it over a fence. Prosecutors argue he was defenseless when Heaggan-Brown shot Smith. But Heaggan-Brown’s attorneys say he feared for his life and made a split-second decision. Heaggan-Brown’s defense begins Monday. He is charged with first-degree reckless homicide and faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted.
