Botham Jean (left) and Amber Guyger
(SNO) — The mother of Saint Lucian, Botham Jean, who was shot and killed by a police officer in Dallas last year, is throwing her support behind a court decision to place a gag order in the court case.
In legal terms, a gag order is a judge’s order prohibiting the attorneys and the parties to a pending lawsuit or criminal prosecution from talking to the media or the public about the case. The supposed intent is to prevent prejudice due to pre-trial publicity which would influence potential jurors.
The gag order was issued on Tuesday, Jan. 8 by a judge in Dallas.
Speaking to Hot7 TV, Allison said: “It’s to protect both sides, so I do not have much of an issue with it. In fact, I don’t have an issue an issue with it. I am actually supportive of that gag order that was imposed on both the prosecution and the defense.”
Former police officer, Guyger
Allison said what she ultimately is looking forward to is a trial in the shortest possible time.
“So anything that will limit contamination and cause that speedier trial is what I am looking forward to,” she noted. “So I am quite pleased by the order that was placed by the court.”
She stated that she is pleased with the progress with the case so far, despite some setbacks.
“We know that there was a slight delay when it came to the grand jury hearing but again, understanding the US system, it was opportune for it to happen at that time,” Jean remarked. “In addition to that, I prefer thoroughness, that the investigation is thorough rather than it is rushed, and there are no missing parts. So far I am pleased of the progress that the DA’s office is making and I must tell you that the DA’s office also keeps me abreast of any development.”
She also said the Botham Jean Foundation will be launched soon.
“On the sixth of March, we have tentatively scheduled the launch of the Botham Jean Foundation,” Allison explained. “We have registered the foundation in the United States in his name and the goal of that foundation is to continue his legacy.”
Botham Jean, 26, was shot and killed on September 6, 2018 by Officer Amber Guyger, 30, after she said she mistook Jean’s apartment at the South Side Flats in Dallas for her own. She also claimed that she thought Botham was a burglar.
The matter has sparked outrage and questions, both here in Saint Lucia and the United States, over what happened the night the incident took place.
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