Botham Jean

Will There Ever Be Justice For Botham Jean?

Ezinne Ukoha

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The three-year anniversary of the tragic shooting death of Botham Jean, a 26-year-old Black man who was the innocent victim of a sloppy cop’s gross negligence, fell on this past Labor Day weekend — September 6 . And for his loved ones left behind, notably his grieving mother, Allie Jean, the worst moment of their lives will always be a haunting reminder of what can’t be reversed.

This year’s remembrance brings a brighter development in the form of a new legislation known as “Bo’s Law,” which was recently introduced in the controversial state of Texas in honor of a fallen resident, whose shocking murder still breeds unanswered questions that burn with fury and frustration.

“Bo’s Law” issues mandates to law enforcement in the state of Texas, that will require police officers to keep their body cameras on while investigating active situations, in order to prevent the agony of bereaved loved ones, who deserve the closure of knowing the pertinent details, that resulted in the senseless killing of another Black life. Furthermore, any officer who is found guilty of violating “Bo’s Law” could potentially be hit with a third-degree felony charge.

Botham Jean was lounging in his own apartment when he was suddenly faced with a life and death situation that ended with his unfortunate demise. The fumbling and incoherent intruder with a badge and weapon, proceeded to fire shots at the unsuspecting victim, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Amber Guyger, was the white woman in a cops uniform who inexplicably found herself on the wrong floor of her apartment complex, and somehow didn’t realize she was heading into a stranger’s apartment, until she drew out her gun and fired away at the helpless young Black man standing in front of her.

Amber Guyger/Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Once her comrades from the Dallas Police Department came to her rescue, there was no documentation about the state-of-mind Guyger was in — upon their arrival. She was rushed out of her crime scene and seemingly given the level of protection and privacy that’s usually reserved for the victim of an offense, not the perpetrator.

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