Jury Selection To Begin In Police Killing Of Albuquerque Homeless Man

By Stina Sieg
Published: Friday, September 9, 2016 - 7:00pm

Two Albuquerque police officers who shot a homeless man to death in 2014 will stand trial this month. The killing led to protests and a national outcry.

Two years ago, police video of the fatal shooting of James Boyd sparked demonstrations and marches, paralyzing parts of New Mexico's largest city.

Tensions over a high rate of officer-involved shootings had been building there for years. The shooting preceded a broader national debate about officers' use of force, and led Albuquerque's mayor to push for the U.S. Justice Department to accelerate an investigation into the police department.

Former Albuquerque officers Dominique Perez and Keith Sandy are charged with second-degree murder and aggravated assault. Jury selection will begin Monday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.