Off-Duty Cop Charged with Manslaughter

WNYC News | Jul 12, 2010

New York, NY —

REPORTER: After walking backwards into court, and covering his face with a baseball cap, Lieutenant Shamik Walton pled not guilty to killing his tenant.

Brooklyn prosecutors have charged Walton with the manslaughter of Byron Hearst, who rented an apartment from him in Bedford-Stuyvesant. He was shot after an argument over rent payments earlier this month.

Attorney, Sanford Rubenstein, represents Hearst's family in a $25 million civil suit against the city.

RUBENSTEIN: This killing was not justified! It was reckless! That is what this indictment tells the people of this city"

REPORTER: Walton says he shot Hearst in self defense.

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