Dallas

‘Enough Evidence for a Charge of Manslaughter': Family

The press conference followed a 4 p.m. vigil held at Dallas West Church of Christ

The family of Botham Jean, the 26-year-old shot and killed in his own apartment by an off-duty Dallas police officer, held a press conference Saturday at Jean's church in Dallas.

Attorney Lee Merritt, who is representing the family, called on law enforcement and the district attorney's office to issue a warrant for officer Amber Guyger's arrest.

"Everyone that we've spoken to today has presented enough evidence that there was at least enough evidence for a charge of manslaughter," Merritt said.

The attorney for the family of Botham Jean and a representative from Mothers Against Police Brutality held a press conference Saturday calling for a warrant to be issued for the officer who shot Jean.

Merritt asked law enforcement to treat Guyger as they would any other citizen. 

"This family is frustrated. This family is upset. This family is grieving that that has not happened yet. We believe that that has not happened yet is differential treatment for law enforcement officers," Merritt said.

Merritt also addressed claims made on social media that Guyger knew Botham Jean, saying both family and other officers don't believe that's the case.

He said it's potential misinformation like that floating around online that points to the need for transparency in the case.

The press conference followed a 4 p.m. vigil held at Dallas West Church of Christ.

That vigil brought together Jean's coworkers, classmates, friends and family. 

Just a day after arriving in town, Jean's mother addressed the crowd in the sanctuary he came to call home about two years ago. 

"Botham loved God. Botham loved you. Botham loved mankind. Botham never saw color. He never saw race. Botham wanted all of us to unite," Allison Jean said.

It was the second vigil held for Jean, following Friday night's event outside Dallas police headquarters.

Contact Us