Off-duty NYC correction officer Dion Middleton is currently on trial for the shooting and killing of teenager Raymond Chaluisant. Middleton’s attorney argues that he acted in self-defense and feared for his life after being struck by a gel bead fired from a fake gun by Chaluisant. However, prosecutors claim Middleton “overreacted” and shot Chaluisant out of anger and disrespect.
Middleton faces charges of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, and second-degree manslaughter, which could result in 25 years to life in prison if convicted. Prosecutors allege that Middleton shot Chaluisant in the face and then fled the scene, eventually being arrested at his workplace.
During the trial, conflicting narratives emerged with Middleton’s attorney claiming he mistook the gel beads for real bullets in a dangerous neighborhood, while prosecutors argued that Middleton knew the gun was fake and acted impulsively and aggressively.
The courtroom was filled with loved ones of both the victim and the defendant, as well as evidence including body camera footage and explanations of the dangers of the bead blaster that Chaluisant was playing with.
Prosecutors portrayed the shooting as a prank gone wrong, with Middleton using excessive force and failing to take responsibility for his actions. The case is being prosecuted by the state attorney general’s office under a law that requires special investigation for killings involving police or correction officers. Middleton is the first correction officer to be charged under this law since its implementation in 2021.
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