Prof. Amy Sweasy Interviewed by NPR News, New York Times, and MS NOW About Lack of Cooperation by Authorities Into Shooting Investigation

Professor Amy Sweasy was interviewed by NPR News, New York Times, and MS NOW about the handling of the Renee Good shooting investigation. The handling of the investigation is the latest rift between the Trump administration and Minnesota officials over the fatal shooting. Experts say the move away from a joint investigation marks a shift from how high profile criminal cases are typically handled — and that it could ultimately hurt both the federal inquiry and the prospects of a state one. Prof. Sweasy, a prosecutor with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office for 28 years, said, “I’m not aware of any circumstance or any case in Minnesota where there has been a division like this.” In response to the lack of access to evidence from the shooting, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and the state attorney general’s office announced a joint effort to gather evidence. But without key pieces of evidence like Good’s car, Prof. Sweasy said it will be difficult for an investigation to result in charges. She noted that it is generally challenging to prosecute law enforcement officers in use-of-force cases. She said, “It can be very difficult to persuade juries even when it is clear that the officers used force that resulted in someone’s death.”