Oscar Grant’s Killer Sentenced To 2 Years In Prison For Involuntary Manslaughter

The Bay Area Rapid Transit officer who shot and killed Oscar Grant, Johannes Mehserle, was sentenced today in a California court to 2 years for involuntary manslaughter.

Much to the chagrin of protesters and those who have been very vocal about Mehserle being sentenced to the maximum of 14 years, Judge Robert Perry, sentenced the former cop after 4 hours of deliberation. Perry also noted that Mehserle will be credited for 146 days served as well as 146 days of good behavior which means that Mehserle could possibly just over a year in prison. The gun enhancement charge — which could have added 4 to 10 years — was subsequently tossed out by the judge and may be tried at a later date.

The sentencing judge noted that he was “troubled by the jury’s Involuntary Manslaughter verdict.” He also mentioned that he received over a thousand letters asking that Mehserle receive a harsh sentence and did “the best” he could. Also of note, five members of Grant’s family asked for the maximum sentence of 14 years. Mehserle was shackled and read from a statement  of which he apologized several times and said he wished he could bring Grant back. He also said that if incarceration would bring safety to his family, he was willing to go to jail.

But after four hours, Oscar Grant’s family members and friends began storming out of the court room, obviously unhappy with what they heard. The sentence was the minimum amount of jail time that could have been ordered. Several rallies are scheduled to take place in Oakland today as many are already upset with the decision handed down.

John Burris, attorney for the Oscar Grant family said he was “not surprised” by the sentencing. He noted that over 5,000 letter were sent to the judge asking for the maximum sentence. He also said that this decision will destroy the relationship between police and the black and brown communities.

“We are taking about murder,” said Cephus “Bobby” Johnson, Grant’s uncle. “If a man can go to prison for four years for killing a dog of course two years is not enough.”

Police in Oakland are in the streets to prevent any civil unrest that could take place. An unnamed amount of undercover officers were sent out to ensure that no damage happens to properties around the city.

Johannes Mehserle, a former Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) officer was found guilty in the 2009 shooting death of Grant.

The spectrum of possible sentences for Mehserle was long. The judge in the case may sentence the officer to probation—equating to a slap on the wrist for Grant supporters—or up to 14 years in prison.

Mehserle had spent his time in a Los Angeles jail since his July conviction on manslaughter charges. In a recent interview he says Grant and his family have been in his thoughts “every day.”

“I think about Oscar Grant and his family every day,” Mehserle told KTVU in San Francisco. “I just pray for them, just like I would for my own family.”

The killing and subsequent trial revealed steep divisions among the public. Supporters of Mehserle routinely co-opted the language of Grant supporters, using words like “freedom” and “justice” for the officer.

Grant was shot and killed New Year’s morning in 2009. He, along with several friends were pulled from a train station after an alleged disturbance.

Grant was shot in the back while handcuffed and defenseless.

Stay tuned to The Well Versed for more on this issue.