Border Patrol Supervisor Charles Exum admitted that he bragged about shooting a woman on Chicago’s southwest side last month, in which five rounds were fired and the victim had seven holes. The agent claimed the texts were sent as a way to “relieve stress” but his defense attorney said they appeared to boast about his shooting skills.
Exum testified that he was ordered by a supervisor to pick up his government-issued vehicle after it was involved in a collision, but disputed this account saying the vehicle had no remaining evidentiary value after it was processed and released. The defense attorney argued that releasing the vehicle before defense lawyers could inspect it may have led to the destruction of potentially favorable evidence.
Prosecutors contend Exum fired five rounds defensively after Martinez allegedly drove toward him when he exited his vehicle after the crash. The agent’s actions led to chaotic street protests and the deployment of tear gas by federal agents.
Exum’s behavior has raised questions about his judgment and accountability as a law enforcement officer. His defense attorney sought testimony from an FBI agent in Maine who took Exum’s statement, as well as the FBI agent and federal prosecutor who approved the release of his vehicle just hours after the incident. A trial for Martinez is set for February.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/5-shots-7-holes-border-patrol-supervisor-appeared/story?id=127249645