Grand Jury Set For Ex-Officer Accused in Fatal Shooting

ATLANTA, GA — Grand jury proceedings will begin Wednesday in the case of a former Atlanta police officer accused of killing an unarmed black men in Midtown in June.

The grand jury presentations will run through Sept. 6.

James Burns faces charges 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

Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard is charging Burns with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, among other charges.

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

Image via Shutterstock