MINNEAPOLIS — The case against a former Brooklyn Center police officer charged with manslaughter in the killing of Daunte Wright will go to trial in December.
Hennepin County District Judge Regina Chu found there was probable cause to support the charge of second-degree manslaughter against former police Officer Kimberly Potter at a virtual court hearing Monday conducted via Zoom. A trial is scheduled for Dec. 6.
Defense attorney Earl Gray, who is representing Potter, did not contest the probable cause finding. Potter, wearing black, was seen on screen sitting behind him.
The Washington County Attorney's Office is prosecuting the case. Assistant Criminal Division Chief Imran Ali said in a statement that the office "remains committed to providing justice and accountability through our legal system for the killing of Daunte Wright."
At the start of the hearing Monday, Chu acknowledged that Wright's family was listening in and extended her condolences.
Potter, a 26-year veteran of the Brooklyn Center Police Department, faces one charge of second-degree manslaughter in the April 11 shooting death of Wright, a 20-year-old Black man.
Potter, who is white, shot Wright shortly after he was pulled over for driving with expired tabs, according to police. Tim Gannon, the former Brooklyn Center police chief, said at the time that he believed Potter had intended to use her Taser.
Both Potter and Gannon resigned days after Wright's killing.
Wright's death spurred protests in the north metro city and added fresh urgency to ongoing calls for police reform. On Saturday, the Brooklyn Center City Council approved a sweeping set of proposals that includes changes to how the city responds to minor traffic violations, among other reforms.
