Justin Stetson is one of the MPD cops who savagely beat Jaleel Stallings on May 30, 2020 then lied in his police report to cause Mr. Stallings to be prosecuted on eight felony charges including attempted murder. Mr. Stallings was acquitted by a jury. It took until December 28, 2022—over two and a half years after the incident—for Stetson to be charged. He is charged with 3rd degree assault under MN Stat. 609.223.1. He has remained out of jail without bail while awaiting trial.
Stetson has an omnibus court hearing on February 16, 2023 at 11:00 am. CUAPB and other organizations will attend the hearing, then hold a press conference afterward to highlight the lack of accountability and continuing resistance to any meaningful change in Minneapolis policing.
On May 30, 2020, Minneapolis police went out to “hunt” people on Lake Street in an unmarked van[1]. The van rolled up on Jaleel Stallings and another person who were protecting a business. Without identifying themselves, police fired 40mm rounds on Mr. Stallings from inside their van. Mr. Stallings did not know the shooters were police officers and returned fire in self-defense. Once the officers exited the van and identified themselves, Mr. Stallings immediately dropped his gun and laid on the ground with his arms out. Police handcuffed him. Stetson and others kicked and punched Mr. Stallings in the face and slammed his head into the pavement, fracturing multiple bones in his face, then lied about it in their reports. So far, despite voluminous video evidence[2] and $1.5M civil court settlement for Mr. Stallings; Stetson is the only cop who has been charged with any wrongdoing in this case. Most of the other officers involved took cushy early retirement deals based on phony PTSD claims[3].
This case encapsulates all that is wrong with the MPD’s culture of brutality, lies and coverups, lack of discipline and treating the community, especially people of color, as “the enemy.” Stetson must be convicted, but EVERY officer involved in this despicable act also needs to be charged for their conduct in this matter. Further, the prosecutors who pursued charges against Mr. Stallings while knowing of these officers’ lies and misconduct must also face consequences.
WHAT: Press Conference After Justin Stetson Court Hearing
WHEN: Thursday, February 16 at approximately 12:00 noon
WHERE: Hennepin County Government Center
300 S 6th Street, Minneapolis
Main Level, near fountain