62-Year-Old Atlanta Deacon Dies After APD Officer Uses Stun Gun on Him During Arrest: Bodycam Video Released

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Atlanta Deacon Dies After Incident with Atlanta Police Officer

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A tragic incident involving a 62-year-old Atlanta deacon and an Atlanta Police Department officer has resulted in the deacon’s death. Johnny Hollman passed away in August after being hit with a Taser and handcuffed during a traffic stop.

The incident, which has sparked months of demand for the release of police body camera footage, has finally seen some progress. Prosecutors recently released the video, which shows the confrontation between Hollman and the officer that ultimately led to Hollman’s death.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis released the footage, emphasizing the importance of transparency. Hollman’s family and their attorney, Mawuli Davis, expressed gratitude for the release, acknowledging the difficulty it may pose for viewers, particularly the family.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens also expressed sympathy for the family, stating, “We also extend our gratitude to those in the community who have embraced and supported the family during these difficult months.”

While transparency is crucial, the Atlanta Police Department recognizes the need to protect the integrity of the investigation and possible subsequent prosecution. They emphasized that the goal is to provide transparency while ensuring the video evidence is temporarily withheld from public release to maintain the investigation’s integrity.

At a vigil held on Tuesday evening, Hollman’s daughter, Arnitra Hollman, expressed her emotions after watching the full body camera footage for the first time earlier in the day. She described the incident as a “senseless murder” and urged the public to respond peacefully upon viewing the footage.

According to Davis, the body camera footage will demonstrate Hollman’s peaceful conduct during the incident. Atlanta News First is currently reviewing the footage to gain a deeper understanding of the events that transpired.

Hollman’s underlying health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and obesity, were revealed in an autopsy report. His daughter, Anitra Hollman, previously highlighted her father’s struggle with chronic asthma, which required careful attention to his respiratory health.

The tragic incident sparked protests across Atlanta, including a march to Atlanta City Hall. In response, Mayor Dickens ordered a full investigation into Hollman’s death and called for a review of the police department’s standard operating procedure.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation conducted its own investigation, ruling the death a homicide. Kiran Kimbrough, the officer involved, was subsequently fired after an internal investigation. The Atlanta Police Department stated that Kimbrough violated standard operating procedure by proceeding with the physical arrest without having a supervisor present.

In response to his termination, Kimbrough’s attorney, Lance LoRusso, maintained his client’s innocence, denying any wrongdoing or policy violations. Kimbrough plans to appeal the termination, arguing that he followed protocol and was justified in his actions.

Following Hollman’s death, Atlanta police revised their standard operating procedure for traffic tickets. Officers are now allowed to write “refusal to sign” in the signature line if a driver refuses to sign, and they can issue a copy of charges instead of making a physical arrest.

This tragic incident has left the Hollman family devastated, particularly as they face their first holiday season without their beloved father. As the investigation continues, the community’s support remains crucial in seeking justice and preventing similar atrocities in the future..