Judge Allows 1st-Degree Manslaughter Charge Against Ex-Officer Who Fatally Shot Daunte Wright

MINNEAPOLIS (AP/WCCO) -- A Minnesota judge has denied a defense request to dismiss the most serious charge against a former suburban Minneapolis police officer who said she meant to use a Taser instead of a handgun when she fatally shot Black motorist Daunte Wright.

Former Brooklyn Center police officer Kim Potter will stand trial in Hennepin County on first- and second-degree manslaughter charges in the death of Wright, who was shot after being stopped April 11 for a traffic violation.

Potter, who is white, was initially charged with second-degree manslaughter, which requires a finding that she acted with "culpable negligence" in Wright's death.

Prosecutors later added a first-degree manslaughter count against Potter and a judge on Wednesday decided to allow the charge.

The development comes a day after what would have marked Wright's 21st birthday. On Tuesday, friends and family gathered in Brooklyn Center to celebrate Wright's life.

Wright's killing prompted local officials to change how police stop drivers in the city.