Not exactly. Brelo jumped onto the hood of the car after it had crashed and fired 15 rounds at point blank range into the occupants. Who turned out to not have any guns in the car, although reports had gone out that shots were being fired from the car. False reports, as it turned out.
Why it’s “necessary” to fire 15 more rounds into people who’ve been stopped and probably already shot numerous times is beyond me.
Wasn't part of the reason given that it was a few seconds time, and with all of the shooting going on, the officer was overwhelmed? (paraphrasing)
I don't understand that part either. But I do understand the cops over-reacting to that car which was a threat to everyone and everything in its path.
The question that's never going to have an answer is why did the driver take off when the police approached him.
The problem was - legally - that there was no evidence that his shots were the ones that killed them. They may have been already dead when he shot them. The medical examiner couldn’t say which bullets killed them.
Also, other police at the scene thought they were still dangerous. They were trying to run over the cops with their car.
The judge’s reasoning can be found here:
http://legalinsurrection.com/2015/05/brelo-not-guilty-verdict-judge-presents-detailed-rationale/
(hat tip to digger48)