Fort Worth City Council Member Chris Nettles is facing backlash from residents after he mistakenly voted to approve additional legal-fee spending tied to former police officer Aaron Dean, who fatally shot Atatiana Jefferson in 2019. Nettles has since issued a public statement explaining that he did not realize the item was tied to Dean’s legal fees when he made the motion.
Background on the Case
Aaron Dean was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 11 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Atatiana Jefferson. The Fort Worth City Council voted on June 23 on an agenda item authorizing an increase in the maximum amount paid to attorney Kenneth East, who is representing the city in the case.
Nettles stated that he has drafted a Council Proposal asking the City Council to reconsider the vote so he can correct his position. He also pointed to state law requiring local governments to provide legal counsel without cost to certain public employees, including peace officers, when they face a suit for damages.
Residents have expressed mixed reactions to Nettles’ explanation, with some defending him and others questioning how he could mistakenly move to approve an item tied to such a high-profile case.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
