Fulton County grand jury declines to indict officer in church deacon's Taser death

ATLANTA - A Fulton County grand jury has declined to file an indictment against a former Atlanta police officer in the death of a 62-year-old church deacon following a traffic stop.

Death of Johnny Hollman Sr. 

The backstory:

Johnny Hollman Sr. died on Aug. 10, 2023, after a Taser was used on him by an Atlanta police officer during a dispute over a traffic citation. Hollman, who had just left Bible study and picked up dinner for his wife, was involved in a minor crash near Lowery Boulevard and Cunningham Place. During the stop, Officer Kiran Kimbrough attempted to issue a traffic ticket, but Hollman refused to sign it, saying he wanted to speak to a supervisor.

Body camera footage released by police shows Hollman repeatedly telling the officer, "I can’t breathe," as the encounter escalated. Kimbrough deployed his Taser during the struggle, and Hollman lost consciousness. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

The Fulton County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was cardiac dysrhythmia triggered by the stun gun, with heart disease listed as a contributing factor. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.

Fulton County grand jury findings

What we know:

According to online court records, a Fulton County grand jury was presented the case, but returned a "no bill."

This means the grand jury found there was no enough evidence to move forward with charges and a trial.

What we don't know:

No word if the Fulton County District Attorney's Office plans to present the case again at a future date.

The other side:

In a statement through their attorneys, Hollman's family said they were "devastated" by the jury's decision.

"Our father should still be here. The failure to hold this officer accountable is another painful reminder of how little value is placed on his life by some citizens—even when the facts are clear and the harm is undeniable. But we will not stop. Our faith and our fight for justice will not waver," the family said.

Attorney Mawuli Davis, who represented the Hollman family, criticized the decision.

"This is a profoundly sad day—not only for the Hollman family, but for all who believe in justice. Despite video evidence, the unwavering courage of this family, and the thorough effort by the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office, the criminal justice system has once again failed to hold law enforcement accountable for the death of a citizen," Davis said. "Deacon Johnny Hollman deserved better. This moment also underscores how far the fight for police accountability in this country has regressed since the uprisings of the summer of 2020. We will continue to stand with the Hollman family, and we call on the citizens of Atlanta to do the same. This is not the end of the fight for justice."

Kimbrough fired from APD

Dig deeper:

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum fired Kimbrough in October, stating the officer violated department policy by making the arrest before a supervisor arrived.

In response to Hollman’s death, the department updated its procedures. Officers are now instructed to note "refusal to sign" on traffic citations instead of making arrests in such situations.

Hollman’s family has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the city, Schierbaum, and Kimbrough, accusing them of using excessive force and violating Hollman’s constitutional rights. The lawsuit was amended in December to include a tow truck driver who allegedly knelt on Hollman’s head and neck during the altercation.

Why you should care:

The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile deaths involving law enforcement and has prompted renewed calls for police accountability and training reform. Hollman, a father and grandfather, was described by relatives as a pillar of his community.