A hearing for a suspended South Florida deputy enters day two. The Broward Sheriff’s Office deputy is accused of wrongfully shooting a man three years ago.
A hearing for a suspended South Florida deputy enters day two. The Broward Sheriff's Office deputy is accused of wrongfully shooting a man three years ago.
Tuesday, paramedics who responded to the shooting, took the witnesses stand.
Did Jermaine McBean have earbuds in his ears when he was shot dead by a sheriff's deputy? That's the crux of the case against suspended Deputy Peter Peraza.
Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Medic Brandon Barnes treated McBean moments after he was shot. When asked in court whether he saw earbuds on McBean, he responded: "No, I don't recall seeing anything."
Oakland Park Medic Talia Sandola tended to McBean in the back of the ambulance and testified she did see earbuds.
"Hanging from the side. I'm not sure what they were connected to, but I only saw the earbud portion towards the floor," she said.
A witness picture shows McBean's body, with what appears to be an earbud in his ear.
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It was July of 2013 when McBean had just bought an air rifle and was walking toward his apartment complex in Oakland Park. He was shot by Peraza, who felt his life and others were in danger. He told investigators McBean didn't have earbuds.
McBean's brother Andrew calls the case a flat out coverup by deputies, and thinks a "Stand Your Ground" hearing is preferential treatment for the deputy.
At least 15 witnesses testified during Tuesday's hearing. Some were experts in forensic psychology, while others in weaponry and police use of force.
Peraza's attorney insists his client was just doing his job and fired in self-defense.
"Mr. McBean was walking down our public streets with a rifle and he turned and pointed it towards the deputies. That is what this case is about," said Eric Schwartzreich, attorney.
If the judge rules the deputy acted in self-defense, charges would likely be dropped. If he determines the shooting was not justified, Peraza would stand trial on a manslaughter charge.
