Ricky Cobb II's family speaks out after trooper charged in his death
MINNEAPOLIS — The family of Ricky Cobb II is speaking out following the charging of Minnesota State Trooper Ryan Londregan in the 33-year-old's death during a traffic stop last year.
The charging documents outline the July 31 incident, in which Londregan shot Cobb along Interstate 94 near Lowry Avenue in Minneapolis. Police had stopped him for driving at night without his tail lights on.
"Ryan Londregan stole my son from me. He gunned Ricky down my son for no reason while he was defenseless. Nothing can ever make up for that. But today's decision is the first step toward closure and justice," Cobb's mother, Nyra Fields-Miller, said. "I stand in solidarity and for justice for my son. I stand as solid as a rock. I'm not to be moved easily."
On Wednesday, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty announced that Londregan faces second-degree unintentional murder, first-degree assault and second-degree manslaughter. According to the attorney's office, Londregan's use of deadly force was not necessary to prevent "reasonably likely" death or great bodily harm to the officer or another.
Cobb's family says nothing can bring him back, but the charges are the first step toward closure and justice.
"I understand the fight will be long, grueling, painful; that comes with stuff like this," the victim's twin brother Rashad Cobb said. "When we think of situations like this, it's a problem for our country. And once we come together and figure this out, this is where it starts: in Minnesota, again."
Rashad Cobb went on to say if you think about an angel in a human form, that was his brother.
Cobb's family is represented by civil rights attorneys Bakari Sellers, Harry Daniels and F. Clayton Tyler. Daniels on Thursday thanked Moriarty for her "bravery and courage" to put forth these charges, which the family believes are sufficient.
"Yesterday history was made," Daniels said. "Despite the naysayers and polarizing comments ... it shouldn't matter if you wear a badge, shield or star."
Meanwhile, Londregan's attorney is criticizing Moriarty for her decision and has already filed a motion to dismiss the charges against him. He released a video statement Wednesday after the charges were announced.
"This county attorney has provided sweetheart deals to murderers and kidnappers, and now today she charges a hero. This county attorney is literally out of control," Chris Madel said.
Londregan is expected to appear before a judge Monday afternoon. If convicted, Londregan could face up to 40 years in prison on the murder charge. The county attorney's office is not seeking bail. Prosecutors will be asking the court to require Londregan to surrender his passport and firearms, as well as follow the court's conditions.
Family has also filed complaint with POST Board
In early January, Cobb's family filed a complaint with the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board, arguing that Londregan's use of deadly force did not comply with state statutes. Nyra Fields-Miller, Cobb's mother, said Cobb did not present a threat of harm to the troopers.
She also contended that no trooper tried to deescalate the situation when Londregan pulled his gun. This, she said, violated a state statute that requires a peace officer to intervene when seeing another officer illegally use deadly force.
After the shooting, family members called for the troopers to be charged and fired. The troopers were placed on standard administrative leave after the shooting.
The county attorney's office is not seeking bail. Prosecutors will be asking the court to require Londregan to surrender his passport and firearms, as well as follow the court's conditions.
Statement from Minnesota State Patrol
State Patrol Col. Matt Langer released a statement shortly after the charging decision was announced. Read it below.
"Any time a use-of-force incident ends with the loss of a life, it is tragic. Ricky Cobb II's death is no different. This is a sad situation for everyone involved. We acknowledge the deep loss felt by Mr. Cobb's family and friends. We also recognize the gravity of this situation for the State Patrol and our troopers tasked with making difficult split-second decisions.
"In accordance with the troopers' labor contract, Trooper Ryan Londregan will remain on paid leave while an investigation by the Department of Public Safety's Internal Affairs Division is completed. That investigation has begun and will inform employment decisions.
"The State Patrol is also conducting a critical incident review that will examine and inform our training and policies.
"Today's announcement of criminal charges by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office marks the next step in the judicial process related to this case. We respect that process and cannot comment further due to the ongoing criminal proceedings."
