Three brothers charged in the shooting death of a Prince George’s County Police officer appeared in court Wednesday, after allegedly starting the shootout so two of the brothers could video the attack for the website WorldStarHipHop.com.
Michael, Elijah and Malik Ford each face over 20 different charges for the violent March 13 shooting that left 28-year-old Officer Jacai Colson, a four-year veteran of the Prince George’s County Police Department, dead. Michael Ford began firing on officers outside a police station, while his brothers filmed the assault. He allegedly wanted the video sent to WorldStarHipHop.com, a website known for posting violent fight videos and shootings involving police, reports NBC Washington.
Prince George’s County Detective Joshua Malinowski testified Michael Ford wanted to specifically target cops in the attack, and was ultimately attempting suicide-by-police. Michael recorded a last will on his cell phone before departing for the station. Michael also wanted the video sent to his girlfriend and several friends according to court testimony from Malinowski. (RELATED: MD Officer Killed In ‘Unprovoked’ Ambush On Police Station)
Michael is charged with second degree murder, six counts of attempted first degree murder and a number of lesser charges. Elijah and Malik face first degree murder and first degree assault charges. Police say Michael appears to have a history of mental illness.
While his brothers filmed, Michael open fired on a Prince George’s County Police station igniting a chaotic firefight with police. Officers began returning fire, hitting Michael, who was later stabilized at a hospital, while his brothers fled the scene. In addition to Officer Colson, the shootout drew in three other officers. In the chaos, an officer misidentified the plainclothes Colson as a threat, firing the fatal round. (RELATED: Slain MD Cop Was Mistakenly Shot By Fellow Officer)
During the hearing Wednesday, authorities revealed Officer Taylor Krauss fired the shot that killed Officer Colson during the incident. Police Chief Hank Stawinski said Krauss is a good cop who was once named officer of the month at the department. Stawinski notes the scene of the shootout caused by the Ford brothers was chaos, and no malice was involved in the tragic mistake.
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.