WASHINGTON, D.C.- A retired police lieutenant’s fatal shooting of a 25-year-old trainee during a training exercise at Anacostia Library last year has led to a three-year prison sentence. The incident, captured on surveillance video, has sparked calls for further action from the victim’s family.
The victim, Maurica Manyan, was participating in a training session led by Jesse Porter, a 59-year-old private contractor and retired lieutenant. The group had just completed baton training and were gathering for a group photo when the incident occurred. The video footage shows Manyan removing her mask in preparation for the photo when Porter, moving in from the side, drew his weapon and fired, striking Manyan in the chest.
The video reveals the immediate shock and confusion in the room following the shooting. Porter, visibly startled, approached Manyan, who was critically injured. The Manyan family’s attorney, Chelsea Lewis, described the footage as “heartbreaking” and called for an investigation into potential policy violations, including Porter’s possession of a loaded gun in the library.
Porter’s defense attorney, Brian McDaniel, stated that his client believed he was handling a training gun and had no criminal intent. While acknowledging Porter’s negligence, McDaniel emphasized that his client had accepted responsibility for his actions.
In May, Porter faced initial charges including three counts of second-degree murder while armed, possessing a firearm during a crime of violence, as well as unlawful discharge of a firearm. However, as part of a plea deal, Porter pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter while armed and unlawful discharge of a firearm. He has also reportedly apologized to Manyan’s family.