Kyle Meany’s resignation comes two weeks after he and three former colleagues were charged with Taylor’s death. Brett Hankison and Joshua Jaynes had to leave the police earlier. The fourth agent, Kelly Goodlett, recently resigned, according to American media. Prosecutors accuse the four of violating civil rights and obstructing justice by obtaining a search warrant with false information.
The police chief in Louisville says he will terminate Meany’s employment “after careful consideration.” “I fully respect the legal process and realize that Meany has yet to be heard before a jury. That said, he faces multiple federal charges following a lengthy judicial investigation,” US media outlets are quoted as saying.
Officers forced the door of Taylor’s home on March 13, 2020 in a drug investigation. They entered without warning, whereupon Taylor’s friend fired a gun at them. The officers then fired 22 shots. Taylor, a hospital worker, died. However, the 26-year-old and her boyfriend had nothing to do with the drug investigation. Her death and that of other black Americans sparked protests against police brutality in 2020.