Crime & Safety
Mehserle Released from Jail
The former BART police officer convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the killing of Oscar Grant was released from prison early Monday morning.
Bay City News
Former BART police Officer Johannes Mehserle was released from the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail at about 12:30 a.m. today, according to Victim Information and Notification Everyday, the national victim notification network.
Mehserle was convicted of killing 22-year-old Oscar Grant III on New Year's Day 2009 on the Fruitvale BART station platform.
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On Nov. 5, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Robert Perry sentenced Mehserle to two years for involuntary manslaughter, but his prison term was shortened.
Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Fruitvale BART station Sunday afternoon in Oakland, shortly before Mehserle was set to be released. Several hundred people began protesting at the Fruitvale Village station plaza, near the site of the shooting of Grant.
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After the 3 p.m. rally at the BART station, protesters began marching down International Boulevard to arrive at a larger 5:30 p.m. rally at 14th Street and Broadway in downtown Oakland. The Coalition for Justice for Oscar Grant organized the rally and march, working with the justice group ONYX.
Mehserle admitted that he shot and killed Grant but said he had meant to use his Taser on Grant and fired his service gun by mistake.
Last year, jurors convicted Mehserle of involuntary manslaughter.
On Nov. 5, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Robert Perry sentenced Mehserle to two years, but his prison term was shortened and he is expected to be released today from Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail, according to Grant's family.
Support, justice and peace were the main message of the rally and the crowd remained calm despite high emotions with Mehserle's pending release.
"It's been mellow," Oakland police Officer J. Moore said about the protest and rally. No arrests or acts of vandalism have been reported, he said.
News of Mehserle's release sparked emotion for many family members and supporters of Grant, who voiced their opinions at the rally and march. Grant's uncle, Daryl Johnson, told the crowd the public's support is crucial.
"We need you now, we need you later -- until the justice system is fixed, he said.
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