In a recent verdict, 47-year-old Michael Dunn, a Farmers Branch police officer, has been found not guilty of murder in connection with the on-duty shooting death of 35-year-old Juan Moreno Jr. The incident occurred in 2019 when Dunn opened fire at a stolen pickup truck, killing Moreno in Northwest Dallas.
The officer had reportedly followed a white pickup truck reported stolen from Irving. Dunn was exiting his cruiser as Moreno was pulling out of a parking lot. Farmers Branch police had been monitoring Moreno, suspected of stealing the pickup truck from Irving.
During the trial, Dunn testified that he felt his life was in danger as Moreno was driving toward him while he exited his police vehicle. Police stated that officers were attempting to arrest Moreno for auto theft, but he ignored commands and tried to escape.
Dunn opted for a judge to hear the trial, and on Wednesday, Judge Mike Snipes acquitted him after deliberating for less than half an hour. Dunn, who had been on administrative leave since the shooting, could have faced a sentence of up to life in prison if convicted.
Farmers Branch Police Chief Kevin McCoy released the following statement on today's verdict in the Michael Dunn case:
"An officer-involved shooting is one of the most difficult situations faced by a police department, and any incident involving deadly force and the loss of life is tragic regardless of the circumstances. Our Department values every human life and works diligently to avoid using deadly force at all times. On behalf of the entire Farmers Branch Police Department, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Moreno family for the loss of their loved one on the evening of June 12, 2019.
Now that Officer Dunn’s criminal trial has concluded, the Department’s Internal Affairs Division will move forward with a separate investigation regarding the same incident. Officer Dunn has been on administrative leave since the incident in 2019, and will remain on leave pending the outcome of the internal review process.
The purpose in this and every investigation conducted by the Farmers Branch Police Department is to act with integrity and transparency in our constant effort to maintain the trust of the public we serve."
Moreno's family had previously initiated a civil suit against Dunn and the Farmers Branch Police Department. However, the civil action was put on hold pending the outcome of the criminal case.
