Memphis cop who beat transsexual woman on videotape, claims self defense
Some of you may remember the tragic story of Duanna Johnson but for those of you who are not familiar…take a look at the video below before reading the story.
Seeing the video only makes what the officer has to say that much less credible.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Former Memphis Police officer Bridges McRae took the stand Tuesday during a federal trial on charges he violated the civil rights of the late transsexual Duanna Johnson. But, McRae’s testimony of what was captured on videotape two years ago at the Shelby County Jail portrayed him as fighting in self-defense.
It’s said pictures don’t lie, and for more than two years since shocking Shelby County Jail surveillance video first lit up television screens and websites, it’s been widely assumed the late transsexual Duanna Johnson was the victim of a brutal assault by former police officer Bridges McRae.
But, what if the apparent victim was actually the aggressor?
Well, then you’d have the key to the strategy that Jackson, Mississippi attorney, Frank Trapp is using to defend his client Bridges McRae against federal charges the beating violated Johnson’s civil rights.
The 30-year old McRae took the stand in his own defense as the 7th day of the trial got underway on Tuesday. In a loud, but calm voice, McRae was led by Trapp through critical segments of the tape as a jury peered into a monitor.
McRae testified he had arrested Johnson without incident in December 2007 for prostitution and possession of a crack pipe. At the time Johnson identified himself on a police report as Reginald Jones. However, when picked up again by McRae in February 2008 on the same charges, Johnson initially gave his name as Dwayne Johnson not “Duanna.” McRae then testified once the uncuffed Johnson reached the booking area Johnson allegedly became more belligerent and actively resistant, refusing his numerous and firm requests to have a thumbprint made.
In an interview with FOX13 in June 2008, Johnson, who was murdered 9 months after the incident, alleged McRae yelled slurs at her during the booking procedure.
“As he was calling me he said, ‘he/she come over here.’ I knew he couldn’t be talking to me because that’s not my name,” said Johnson.
McRae testified when he decided he’d cuff Johnson again because he feared she was getting “completely out of control,” Johnson grabbed his right arm and jerked him which he alleges suddenly made him “startled, scared and afraid.” He said he operated on instinct to act in self-defense.
In court, he demonstrated how he held the handcuffs he would use only to ward off the aggressive Johnson, who he says slapped and kicked him, causing him bodily harm in the form of cuts and a gash in his head.
McRae concluded Johnson assaulted him as other officers watched the fracas and did nothing to help him. The case should be handed to a jury by Wednesday.
April 14, 2010
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