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Just before her sentencing, ex-officer Kim Potter issued an apology to the family of Daunte Wright and the community of Brooklyn Center.
Potter apologized, saying she didn’t believe she “had a right” to look at the family. “Katie, I understand a mother’s love, and I am sorry I broke your heart,” Potter said. “My heart is broken for all of you.”
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Kim Potter was sentenced Friday to two years in prison for fatally shooting Daunte Wright during a traffic stop last year in a Minneapolis suburb.
Potter was convicted of first-degree and second-degree manslaughter in December, but she was only sentenced for the more serious charge.
Potter, 49, may only have to serve two-thirds of her sentence — a year and four months — in prison if she behaves. The remaining time would be served on supervised release. Potter was credited for already serving 58 days.
“To those who disagree and feel a longer prison sentence is appropriate, as difficult as it may be, please try to empathize with Ms. Potter’s situation,” Judge Regina Chu said after handing down the sentence, adding that Wright’s life “mattered.”
“Officer Potter made a mistake that ended tragically,” Chu said. “She never intended to hurt anyone. Her conduct cries out for a sentence significantly below the guidelines.”
According to prosecutors, Potter faced a presumptive sentence of just over seven years under state guidelines. Her attorneys asked for a lesser sentence or just probation.
After Friday’s emotional hearing, Wright’s mother, Katie Wright, said of her son, “Today, the justice system murdered him all over again.”
