Attorney Representing Family of Unarmed Man Shot during Routine Traffic Stop Comments on Grand Jury’s Refusal to Indict Trooper

Derek Sells, Esq., Managing Partner, The Cochran Firm, said he was disappointed to learn that the Grand Jury decided not to indict a New York State Trooper who shot and killed William Curlin Baynes during a routine traffic stop. Mr. Sells was joined by Jason Leventhal, Esq., Partner, Leventhal & Klein, LLP, and members of Mr. Baynes’ family at a press conference in front of the Orange County District Attorney’s Office in Newburgh, New York on January 28.

“The Grand Jury’s decision is an injustice,” Mr. Sells said. “We will be calling upon the U.S. Attorney’s office to investigate Mr. Baynes’ tragic death. Mr. Baynes was shot in the back at point blank range. He was unarmed. We are extremely disappointed with this result.”

On October 4, 2012, Mr. Baynes was pulled over by a New York State Trooper during a routine traffic stop on Route 32 in Newburgh. Mr. Baynes, who was unarmed, was shot in the back and died.