DeFarra Gaymon Update: Prosecutor Describes Fatal Shooting in NJ Park
NEWARK, N.J. (CBS/AP) The family of DeFarra Gaymon has demanded answers in the fatal shooting of the Atlanta CEO; however, they may not want to hear the version of events put forth by the undercover cop who fatally shot Gaymon in the chest.
On Tuesday, acting Essex County prosecutor Robert D. Laurino gave the first official description of what transpired that evening in Newark's Branch Brook Park.
After being medically treated for severe trauma, the undercover cop told investigators that on Friday evening he had returned to the woods after chasing down another suspect, because he realized he had lost his handcuffs, reports The New York Times.
When the cop bent down to retrieve his handcuffs, he claims he was approached by the 48-year-old married father of four and propositioned for sex.
"The officer pulled out his badge, identified himself as a police officer, and informed Mr. Gaymon that he was under arrest," but instead of cooperating the officer contends he was knocked to the ground by the CEO who took off running, Laurino said in his public statement published by The New York Times.
As he pursued Gaymon, the officer says Gaymon continually made threats against the officer's life. Gaymon soon found himself cornered.
The New York Times says the officer said he tried once more to handcuff Gaymon, but the man resisted, reached into his pocket, and lunged at the officer who, "fearing for his life," shot him once in the chest.
DeFarra Gaymon was on his way to New Jersey from Atlanta to celebrate his 30th high school reunion with friends and former classmates from Montclair High School Friday night, but never made it there.
Gaymon was fatally shot in the chest by in undercover cop who was patrolling a section of Newark's Branch Brook Park, which, according to The New York Times, has a reputation of being a place for sexual encounters among men.
MORE ON CRIMESIDER:
July 20, 2010 - DeFarra Gaymon Fatally Shot in NJ by Cop; CEO in Town for HS Reunion