Police Officer Escapes Charges After Shooting Unarmed 11-Year-Old

Inglewood, Mississippi: A grand jury in Sunflower County, Mississippi, has decided not to indict Indianola Police Sgt. Greg Capers for shooting and injuring 11-year-old Aderrien Murry. The incident occurred on May 20, 2023, when Aderrien called 911 to report a domestic violence incident. The state’s Attorney General’s Office announced the grand jury’s decision, stating that no criminal action would be taken in regard to this shooting.

After the announcement, the Murry family stated that they intend to file a federal civil lawsuit. Their attorney, Carlos Moore, stated that although the grand jury had spoken, they believed there were still unanswered questions and that the shooting was not justified. They are committed to seeking justice for Aderrien Murry and his family.

Sgt. Capers’ attorney, Michael Carr, spoke on behalf of his client, expressing relief at the vindication. However, Carr acknowledged the trauma caused by the incident and hoped for healing for both Murry and his family. 

“This was very, very scary for me and my family,” Aderrien Murray said. “I thought I was going to die.”

Narrating the events of the day, Aderrien’s mother, Nakala Murry, recounted how she had asked her son to call 911 quietly as she attempted to defuse a heated argument between herself and a man. “I never imagined a phone call for help would lead to my son almost dying,” she said.

Police knocked on the door and kicked it when they arrived. Nakala said the hinges came off the door. When Nakala opened the door, she was greeted by an officer pointing a gun and telling her to come out. She exited the house. Nakala said police had already asked if anyone had a gun inside, and she had said no.

After Aderrien came out of his room with his hands up, he was shot in the chest. Fear and confusion gripped the family as they realized what had transpired. He ran out of the house and toward his mother. As he approached her, she saw the darkness spreading on his red shirt.

Aderrien was rushed to the hospital, where it was discovered that the bullet had collapsed his lung, lacerated his liver, and fractured his ribs. Despite his injuries, he was released from the hospital on May 24.

Aderrien said he had panic attacks and flashbacks after the shooting.

While the grand jury’s decision means no further criminal action will be taken, that doesn’t rule out civil action. The Murry family plans to pursue legal recourse in their quest for justice.