Jury picked in trial over trooper's fatal use of Taser on teen riding ATV
DETROIT (WJBK/AP) - A jury has been selected in the case of a Detroit teenager who crashed an all--terrain vehicle and died after being struck by a state trooper's Taser.
Mark Bessner is charged with second degree murder in the death of 15--year--old Damon Grimes. Investigators say Bessner fired his Taser at Grimes from a moving patrol car in August 2017.
A jury was picked Monday in Wayne County court. Opening statements are expected Tuesday. The judge has ordered no livestreaming during the trial.
Bessner quit the state police shortly after Grimes' death. Prosecutor Kym Worthy says he created a "very high risk of death." State police officials described his actions as criminal.
Bessner's lawyer says he was forced to make a split--second decision when Grimes refused to stop the ATV.
Police video details actions of troopers, Detroit police after teen's taser death on ATV
"You want put all my memories in sequential order," Bessner said last week during a pre-trial hearing. "I can tell you I distinctly remember it. There were a lot of things going through my head as you can imagine, counselor."
Bessner has claimed self-defense in the shooting.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.