In a significant legal development, a former police officer in Fort Worth, Texas, has been indicted on a murder charge following the fatal shooting of a 28-year-old woman inside her mother’s residence. The officer, identified as Nathan Carter, was charged by a grand jury earlier today for the death of Angela Thompson, a pre-med graduate student who was babysitting her nephew at the time.
Thompson was in her mother’s home, playing video games with her 8-year-old nephew when Officer Carter and another officer responded to a welfare check after a neighbor reported that the door was slightly open. Bodycam footage reveals Carter peering into the house with a flashlight, and moments later, he ordered Thompson to “put your hands up — show me your hands” before a gunshot rang out.
According to statements from Thompson’s nephew, she had retrieved a firearm from her purse upon hearing noises outside. Carter’s arrest warrant indicated that she had the gun pointed toward the window. However, police authorities have acknowledged that Thompson was justified in her actions to defend herself during the encounter.
Carter resigned from the police department shortly after the incident and was arrested a few days later. The Tarrant County District Attorney’s office declared their commitment to pursuing the case vigorously, citing ample evidence.
The attorney representing Thompson’s family, J. Michael Grant, expressed cautious optimism following the indictment on social media, stating, “The former officer responsible for Angela Thompson’s tragic death has been indicted for murder. While her family feels a sense of relief, they understand that achieving a conviction and receiving an appropriate sentence may still take time. We must continue advocating for justice.”
Thompson’s death has sparked widespread outrage, symbolizing a troubling pattern where individuals, particularly within the Black community, are harmed by law enforcement while simply going about their daily lives. She was merely at home, looking after her nephew, and had done nothing to warrant police intervention. The neighbor’s call to a non-emergency line was meant to ensure safety, not to create a fatal encounter.
The Fort Worth Police Department acknowledged the severity of the situation, with Police Chief Laura Evans stating, “Had the officer not resigned, I would have terminated his employment due to multiple policy violations, including improper use of force and lack of professionalism.” While the outcome of the trial remains uncertain, the indictment reflects a step toward accountability for this tragic incident.
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In summary, the indictment of Nathan Carter marks a pivotal moment in addressing police accountability, particularly regarding the unnecessary use of lethal force. This case highlights the ongoing need for systemic changes within law enforcement to prevent further tragedies.
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