NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – The mother of a Black man fatally shot by a white former Nashville officer sobbed, screamed and knocked over a lectern Friday as she begged a judge not to accept a plea deal she says was struck in secret without her knowledge.
Former officer Andrew Delke pleaded guilty to manslaughter over the death of Daniel Hambrick, 25, in 2018 as part of an agreement with prosecutors. The agreement was accepted by Judge Monte Watkins over objections from Hambrick’s family.
Delke will serve a three-year prison sentence. As part of the agreement, he won’t pursue parole and appeal the case.
At one point, the hearing turned volatile as Hambrick’s mother, Vickie, gave a lengthy statement as family members and others applauded and banged on the door in support.
“I hate you,” Vickie Hambrick screamed over and over again, while also yelling out profanities.