Family files federal lawsuit after man killed by Cobb officer in 2021 

The family of Devonte Brown, a 28-year-old man killed by a Cobb County police officer in 2021, has filed a lawsuit against the officer responsible for the deadly shots. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) concluded its investigation in January 2022, and a Cobb County grand jury opted not to pursue charges.

Despite being unarmed and posing “no immediate threat” during the traffic stop, Devonte Brown was fatally shot by Officer Ian McConnell. Body camera footage revealed Brown attempting to evade officers by reversing and crashing into squad cars. Officer McConnell discharged 12 rounds into Brown’s vehicle. Several other officers could be seen standing near Brown’s vehicle at the time, but only McConnell opened fire.

The recently filed federal lawsuit alleges that Officer McConnell violated Brown’s constitutional rights through the use of excessive and deadly force. He is the only defendant named in the complaint. Brown was shot multiple times in the face, head, neck, chest, and arms.

The family’s attorneys said that, despite the potential danger of vehicles as weapons, this incident did not warrant such force, as Brown was effectively trapped between officers on each side with no means of escape. “Devonte Brown had been boxed in with no means of escape,” said attorney Chantel Cherry-Lassiter. “He was boxed in by officers on each side of his vehicle. He wasn’t going anywhere.”

The legal action also criticizes Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady, accusing him of not adequately pursuing criminal charges against Officer McConnell. A spokesperson for the DA’s office explained that the grand jury, presented with the case’s facts in December 2022, decided against further action. The spokesperson clarified that all Cobb police shootings follow this process, with grand juries determining whether charges are warranted.

During a news conference, the Georgia NAACP President drew parallels between Brown’s case and the 2020 police shooting of Vincent Truitt. Truitt, 17, was fatally shot in the back during a police chase, and the subsequent grand jury presentment did not result in criminal charges. The NAACP and attorneys for both families criticized the grand jury process, highlighting concerns about accountability and justice in these cases.