Georgia deputy who fatally shot exonerated man during traffic stop won’t be charged

Leonard Cure, a 53-year-old man, was at the center of a tragic incident that has sparked deep concern and debate about justice and law enforcement. Just three years after being exonerated for a crime he did not commit, having served 16 years in prison, Cure’s life was cut short during a traffic stop in Georgia. The deputy involved, Staff Sgt. Buck Aldridge, was cleared of criminal charges by the district attorney, who deemed the use of force reasonable after reviewing body camera footage. This decision has left Cure’s family and many in the community grappling with a sense of injustice and frustration.

The decision by District Attorney Keith Higgins to not pursue charges was based on the assessment that Deputy Aldridge faced a life-threatening situation. Higgins explained that after Cure refused to be handcuffed and became physically confrontational, Aldridge’s actions, including the fatal shooting, were justified. The body camera footage reportedly shows Cure reaching for the deputy’s throat, prompting the deputy to act in self-defense. This reasoning, while legally sound to some, has been met with skepticism and anger by Cure’s loved ones, who argue that excessive force was used and that their family’s tragedy is a stark reminder of systemic issues within law enforcement.

Cure’s family has been vocal about their pain and disappointment, emphasizing the psychological toll his wrongful incarceration had on him. They believe this trauma contributed to his resistance during the traffic stop, as he may have been reliving the horrors of his past. Attorneys for the family, Ben Crump and Harry Daniels, have criticized the decision as a failure of justice, underscoring their belief that Deputy Aldridge’s actions were unwarranted. They argue that the deputy’s history of disciplinary issues should have prevented him from being hired, highlighting a broader concern about accountability within law enforcement agencies.

Deputy Aldridge’s past is indeed marked by incidents that raise eyebrows. He was previously fired for using excessive force, yet rehired, a decision that Cure’s family and legal team find troubling. Video evidence from a 2022 pursuit shows Aldridge engaging in physical altercations, further fueling concerns about his suitability for duty. These episodes suggest a pattern of behavior that some argue should have led to more severe consequences, casting doubt on the vetting processes within the sheriff’s department.

The family’s response to these events has been a federal lawsuit, seeking $16 million in damages and accountability. The lawsuit names both Deputy Aldridge and former Sheriff Jim Proctor, alleging negligence and a failure to address Aldridge’s history of violence. This legal action is not just about financial compensation; it’s a call for systemic change and a demand for transparency in how law enforcement agencies handle such sensitive matters.

As the case progresses through the courts, it serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by many families seeking justice after losing loved ones in encounters with law enforcement. The broader implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue about police reform, mental health support for exonerees, and the importance of accountability. Leonard Cure’s story is a testament to resilience in the face of injustice and a call to action for change.