But one man who didn't get to walk free is 29-year-old Kareem Martinez. Instead, he faces 18 years in prison, a sentence that many - including the victim's family - have called harsh.
We got the Commissioner's take on the former corporal's punishment this morning. Here's what he said:
Chester Williams, Commissioner Of Police
"Kareem Martinez was not one of those rogue police, um, he certainly was an outstanding police officer. His track record in the department is a stellar one. I am sure that on that day in question, he did not wake up with the mindset that he was going to kill someone on that day and I am also sure that when the incident occurred he was extremely remorseful. I don't think that he would have intended to kill the young man."
Jules Vasquez:
"I don't think he accepts that he fired the fatal shot though sir."
Chester Williams, Commissioner Of Police
"Well, be that as it may..."
Jules Vasquez:
"He did, the judge said he didn't show remorse."
Chester Williams, Commissioner Of Police
"Ok, I don't, I was not in the courtroom but he certainly was an outstanding policeman. I would agree with the family of Laddie Gillett that the sentence is excessive in nature, it's high, but that is a matter for Kareem and his family to deal with and I will end my comment there."
Jules Vasquez:
"She said she sent the sentence to set an example that police officers should think twice, thrice and four times before they use their weapons."
Chester Williams, Commissioner Of Police
"I fully agree Jules but sometimes as police officers you're, you have to make decisions in a matter of split seconds and if he was the type of officer who was out there and was abusive and these sorts of things I would understand but he was not that type of police."
The Commissioner's words come in sharp contrast to an opinion posted on Facebook today by Laddie's foster grandmother, Lucy Fleming. She says, quote:
"I was at every case hearing, listened to every witness, and studied the work of the police lead detective, scene of crimes, and ballistic experts. I am in full agreement with Justice Moores's verdict. The sentencing was arrived at because of the outcome of the will of a man with a gun. A policeman, sanctioned and compensated to protect us, shot Laddie in the back - running away. I personally feel that the sentencing was fair, appropriate to the crime, and just." End quote.
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