A Devastating Outcome: No Charges for Deputy in Fatal Shooting of Leonard Cure

Overview of the Case

In a decision that has sparked widespread outrage and disappointment, District Attorney Keith Higgins announced on Tuesday that no criminal charges will be filed against Camden County Sheriff’s Deputy Staff Sgt. Buck Aldridge for the fatal shooting of Leonard Cure, a 53-year-old Black man, during a traffic stop in October 2023. The incident, which was captured on body and dash camera video, occurred just three years after Cure was exonerated and released from prison in Florida, where he had served 16 years for a crime he did not commit. The case has drawn attention to issues of police accountability, systemic injustice, and the long-term impact of wrongful incarceration.

The Traffic Stop and Fatal Shooting

On October 16, 2023, Deputy Aldridge pulled over Leonard Cure for speeding on Interstate 95 near the Georgia-Florida border. The traffic stop quickly escalated into a violent confrontation. According to the DA, Cure was ordered to exit his pickup truck and comply with instructions, but he refused to put his hands behind his back. Aldridge then used a stun gun on Cure, who responded by struggling and grabbing the deputy. The body camera footage shows Cure attempting to overpower Aldridge, placing a hand on the deputy’s throat. At this point, Aldridge shot Cure at point-blank range, killing him.

District Attorney Higgins concluded that the use of deadly force was “objectively reasonable” given the circumstances, as Aldridge was being overpowered during the struggle. However, attorneys for Cure’s family have vehemently disagreed with this assessment, arguing that Aldridge used excessive force and that the shooting was unnecessary. They have described the decision as a “devastating failure of justice” and criticized the legal system for failing to hold law enforcement accountable for taking a life.

Reaction from Cure’s Family and Legal Team

The decision not to charge Deputy Aldridge was met with strong condemnation from Leonard Cure’s family and their legal representation. Attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels, who are representing the family, issued a statement expressing their outrage and disappointment. They argued that the ruling sends a dangerous message that law enforcement officers can use lethal force without facing consequences. The family’s legal team has also highlighted the traumatic experience of Cure, who had only recently been freed from prison after being wrongfully convicted of an armed robbery in Florida. Relatives believe that Cure’s resistance during the traffic stop may have been influenced by the psychological scars left by his years of wrongful imprisonment.

Deputy Aldridge’s Employment History and Pending Lawsuit

Deputy Aldridge remains employed by the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, currently assigned to the administrative division. He was placed on administrative leave during the investigation into the shooting but has since returned to duty. Aldridge’s attorney, Adrienne Browning, praised the DA’s decision, stating that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation conducted a thorough review and reached the correct conclusion. However, the deputy’s hiring by the Camden County Sheriff’s Office has come under scrutiny. Aldridge was previously fired by the Kingsland Police Department in 2017 after being disciplined multiple times for excessive force. Despite this history, he was hired by the Camden County Sheriff’s Office just nine months later.

In response to the shooting, Cure’s family filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court, naming Aldridge and former Sheriff Jim Proctor as defendants. The lawsuit alleges that Aldridge used excessive force and that Proctor failed to address the deputy’s history of violence. The case seeks $16 million in damages and is ongoing, with both defendants denying any wrongdoing in their court filings.

The Broader Implications of the Case

The shooting of Leonard Cure and the subsequent decision not to charge Deputy Aldridge have raised concerns about systemic issues within law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Advocates for police reform argue that this case highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency when officers use deadly force. Cure’s story is also a testament to the long-lasting impact of wrongful incarceration and the challenges faced by individuals trying to rebuild their lives after being exonerated. As the case continues to unfold in the courts, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in America.

Current Status and the Path Forward

Deputy Aldridge is expected to continue serving in the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, while the civil lawsuit filed by Cure’s family remains unresolved. The outcome of the case will be closely watched by advocates and the community, as it could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. Meanwhile, Cure’s loved ones are left to grapple with the loss of a man who had already endured immense hardship and injustice. His story is a tragic reminder of the failures of the criminal justice system and the need for systemic change to prevent such tragedies from occurring again.