Three officers with the Honolulu Police Department have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy.
The decision to charge the officers comes a week after a Grand Jury declined to indict the officers in connection with the April death of 16-year-old Iremamber Sykap.
KHNL-TV in Honolulu reports that prosecutors charged 42-year-old Geoffrey Thorn has with second-degree murder. Zackary Ah Nee, 26, and Christopher Fredeluces, 40, face second-degree attempted murder charges.
All three officers would face mandatory life-in-prison sentences if convicted.
Honolulu police say the three officers remain on the force and are assigned to desk duty.
"We are surprised by the Prosecuting Attorney’s announcement to seek charges against the officers after a grand jury comprised of citizens decided not to indict them," Interim Honolulu Police Chief Rade Vanic said. "This is highly unusual, and we are not aware of a similar action having been taken in the past. While we await the court’s decision, we will continue to protect and serve the community as we have always done.”
Police said Iremamber was driving a stolen Honda linked to an armed robbery, burglary, purse snatching and car theft and led officers on a chase before the April 5 shooting.
Police have refused to release officer body camera footage from the shooting.
KHNL reports that the prosecutor's office alleges there are several inconsistencies with the officers' reports and claims.
