Atlanta Officer Oliver Simmonds Faces Trial for 2019 Fatal Shooting
ATLANTA – The week is just starting for Atlantans, but for Officer Oliver Simmonds, it marks the beginning of what could be a life-changing murder trial. Many still remember the 2019 incident that led to the death of 18-year-old D’Ettrick Griffin, and now that day has finally come when the details will be scrutinized in a court of law.
The Incident at the Gas Station
Back on July 15, 2019, Oliver Simmonds, who was off-duty at the time, was pumping gas at a Shell station near the intersection of McDaniel and Whitehall streets. According to Simmonds, as he was at the pump, Griffin and another person entered his vehicle and tried to drive off with it. Simmonds testified that he believed the passenger in Griffin’s car was armed, prompting him to open fire.
The Fatal Shooting
The situation escalated rapidly, ending tragically with Griffin crashing into two nearby vehicles. In the days that followed, the city was awash with discussions about the incident, but nothing was more haunting than the image of the young man who lost his life that day.
Testimony from Fellow Officers
During testimony on Wednesday, Officer Pitts of the Atlanta Police Department shared his account of what Simmonds said that evening. “I asked him, ‘Hey, are you all right?’ and then said, ‘We got the car as a carjacking. I just want to make sure you’re okay.’ And that’s when he said, ‘Yeah, I’m okay. I just saw somebody in the car and another person was in the car and waved a gun,’” recounted Pitts.
A Member of the Executive Protection Unit
It’s significant to note that at the time of the shooting, Simmonds was part of the Executive Protection Unit responsible for protecting then-Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms. His credentials and years of service, having been with the force for over eight years, make this case even more complex and emotionally charged for those involved.
The Charges
Simmonds has been charged with felony murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and two counts of violation of oath of public office. When given a plea deal before the trial that would have required him to serve 20 years—10 in prison and 10 on probation—he declined.
The Trial Begins
The courtroom was solemn as the opening arguments were laid out. Both the defense and prosecution understand that the trial’s duration remains uncertain, and the emotions are high on both sides. For the community, the outcome of this trial could be pivotal in how similar future incidents will be perceived and handled.
Awaiting Justice
As we wait for the trial to unfold, the community reflects on the complexities surrounding the 2019 shooting. The situation underscores the risks that officers face and the split-second decisions they sometimes must make. Equally important, though, is the tragic loss and the questions that remain: Could it have been avoided?
Moving Forward
Everyone will be watching as the courtroom drama unfolds, keen to hear every piece of evidence and testimony. For now, Atlantans rally around their justice system, hoping for a fair and just outcome.
Stay tuned as we bring you more updates from this unfolding trial. Here’s hoping that the truth will shed light, offering some semblance of closure for all affected by the tragic events of July 15, 2019.
