Former Atlanta Police Officer Indicted For Murder

ATLANTA, GA — A grand jury has indicted a former Atlanta police officer in the murder of an unarmed black man in Midtown.

The indictments came down late Wednesday afternoon, according to Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard.

James Burns faces five counts of murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, among other charges, in the death of Devaris Caine Rogers.

On June 22, Burns, who was off duty and working as a courtesy officer at Monroe Place apartments, reported a suspicious person at that location. At the time of the incident, a police spokesman said Burns chased Rogers and called for backup. Rogers then got in a 2011 silver Ford Fushion and attempted to leave. Several other off-duty officers then arrived, and Rogers still attempted to leave. Burns reportedly felt threatened, and that's when he shot Rogers.

Rogers then crashed into a parked SUV at the Cirque restaurant. He was rushed to a local hospital where he later died.

See also: Bond Announced for Ex-Cop Involved in Shooting; Mayor, Police Chief Sued
Arrest Warrant Issued For Officer Who Shot, Killed Suspected Car Thief

Rogers' mother has also filed a wrongful death lawsuit in the case.

Burns was fired following the shooting.

See also:

• Arrest Warrant Issued For Officer Who Shot, Killed Suspected Car Thief
• Officer Who Shot, Killed Suspected Car Thief Fired
• Police Shoot, Kill Man Trying to Break Into Cars in Midtown

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