AUSTIN -- Two sources tell KVUE News that a Travis County grand jury has indicted former Austin police detective Charles Kleinert on manslaughter charges.
Detective Kleinert shot and killed Larry Jackson Jr. in July 2013.
Jackson's family had been pressing for a grand jury indictment for months. Several family members testified before the grand jury in March.
With the help of a grassroots organization called the People's Task Force, Jackson's mother, stepfather and sister have been trying to keep his memory alive with several rallies.
The July 2013 incident started when Jackson approached the locked doors of a Central Austin bank that had been robbed hours earlier.
Police say Kleinert tried to speak with Jackson, then chased him to a spot under the Shoal Creek Bridge.After a short struggle, the detective shot and killed Jackson. Jacksonwas not armed. Kleinertsaid his gun went off during the struggle, striking Jackson in the back of the neck.
Jackson's family has filed a federal lawsuit against the city.
Kleinert retired from the force in October.
The indictment means Kleinert has to go to trial or settle out of court.
District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg released a statement on Monday following Kleinert's indictment:
District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg today announced that a Travis County Grand Jury has indicted former Austin Police detective Charles Kleinert for the July 26, 2013, shooting death of Larry Eugene Jackson, Jr. The Grand Jury charged Kleinert with manslaughter, a second degree felony with possible punishment of 2 years to 20 years in prison and a possible fine not to exceed $10,000. Because this is a pending case, no documents will be released and the District Attorney s office will have no further comment.
The Austin Police Department released a statement Monday evening:
The Austin Police Department respects the Grand Jury s decision and appreciates the exhaustive review this case was subjected to. APD thanks the members of the Travis County Grand Jury and the Travis County District Attorney s Office for their diligence throughout this entire process. Due to the pending criminal proceedings the Department is precluded from further comment. The Austin Police Department looks forward to continuing to work with the community in building a partnership that benefits all Austin residents.
Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell released the following statement:
I respect the work of the grand jury and its decision. We must continue to allow the justice system to work through its processes. Unfortunate incidents, such as the one occurring in July 2013,could happen anywhere and do not reflect the ideals or nature of our city's police department. Austin is thankful to have one of the best police forces in the country; one that tirelessly works to ensure that our community and city remain safe.
The Austin Police Monitor released the following statement:
Whenever there is loss of life, we want to see a full investigation and due process for all involved. In most cases, there are three parts to the process; administrative, criminal, and civil. Today, the criminal process moved forward with the (indictment/no bill) of Charles Kleinert. I, as the Police Monitor, respect the decision and ask that others do likewise. The Office of the Police Monitor and the Citizen Review Panel will continue to work toward enhancing confidence and trust between the public and the Austin Police Department.
Charley Wilkison, executive director of the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, or CLEAT, released the following statement:
Just like any other American, Detective Kleinert will now get to have his day in court, and we are confident he will clear his name...This case is complex and may very well take some time to ferret out the truth. CLEAT welcomes that opportunity for Detective Kleinert, his family and all Austin police officers. Convicted criminals who resist arrest and flee to avoid apprehension place the public, themselves and the police in high-risk, no-win situations.
