The attorneys for the Guatemalan teen charged with manslaughter in connection to a Florida officer’s death are pushing for his client’s case to be dropped.
Verguillo Aguilar Mendez was charged because St. Johns County Sgt. Michael Kunovich died from a heart attack following an encounter with the teen in May 2023, according to ABC News. Mendez also is charged with resisting an officer with violence, another felony.
The then-18-year-old was speaking to his mother on the phone as he walked past a motel when Kunovich approached him, stating that he looked “suspicious.”
Body camera footage shows Mendez slowly walking along on the sidewalk when Kunovich orders him to stop and starts interrogating him.
Mendez did not respond to the officer in English but in another language, which his attorney, Phillip Arroyo, confirmed is Mam. It’s an indigenous language reportedly spoken in the teen’s community in his home country, per ABC News.
In the video, Mendez explains in halting English that he was eating and informs the officer that he’s staying at the motel. The teen tells the officer that he doesn’t speak English as he requests identification and asks if he has any weapons.
“No,” Mendez responded.
“Well, you know what that is,” Kunovich said while telling the teen to turn around before grabbing his arm. “Don’t pull away from me.”
At this moment, Mendez attempted to walk away, but Kunovich and another officer pushed him to the ground. The teen can be heard saying “I’m sorry,” “Stop,” and “No” repeatedly while the struggle ensued.
“Do you want to get Tased,” one officer asked. “Get on the ground.”
“No problem,” Mendez responded.
During the incident, Mendez was shocked several times. The teen reiterated that he does not speak English, seemingly not understanding their commands. He also called for his family. The video shows the moment officers handcuffed…
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