Case delayed against ex-San Leandro police officer Jason Fletcher for killing of Steven Taylor at Walmart 5 years ago
An Alameda County judge decided to postpone a decision on whether to dismiss charges against a former San Leandro police officer who killed a man at a Walmart store more than five years ago.
The man's family gathered outside the courthouse on Friday. They say they are increasingly frustrated by how the case is dragging out.
Family and supporters were outside the courthouse ahead of the court appearance, waiting to see if attorneys for Officer Jason Fletcher would move to have the case against him dismissed. Fletcher is facing charges in the killing of Steven Taylor.
Taylor's family said that five years and five months after his death, they want to see the case move to trial, but it has been hit with one delay after another.
On Friday, the judge gave the prosecutor and defense attorney more time to gather additional evidence.
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Though there was initially disagreement between the sides over whether that time was needed, each ultimately said they could make use of it.
The judge agreed to it on Friday but was frustrated with both parties, saying that he, too, is tired of the delays.
Especially upset after the decision to continue the case was Taylor's grandmother.
"I didn't sleep last night. I've been awake since one o'clock, tossing and turning, concerned about what would happen today," said Addie Kitchen. "Five years they have (dragged) my family, his family through the mud like we don't matter. And, we do matter."
Taylor was shot and killed by San Leandro police officer Jason Fletcher for suspected shoplifting at a Walmart in the spring of 2020. The family said Taylor suffered from mental health issues and that he was known to the San Leandro Police Department.
Fletcher was accused of using unreasonable deadly force and charged with manslaughter.
Initially, there were delays in the trial due to COVID-19. Later, then- Alameda County DA Pamela Price was accused, in part, of bias towards the case.
Fletcher has since been trying to get the case moved out of Alameda County. It was decided earlier this year that it would stay in the county.
A trial date is set for Jan. 24, though Fletcher's attorneys may motion in the next court date to have it dismissed. The next court date is set for Nov. 14.
