The union representing the Newark police officer killed outside of Weequahic High School in 2005 is demanding further investigation after a jury acquitted two suspects in his death.

In October, Khalil Tutt and Hassan Reeds were found not guilty of murder in the shooting death of Newark Special Police Officer Dwayne Reeves. During their trial, another Newark police officer, Karama Thomas, testified she never saw Tutt with a gun in his hand as he ran from the scene of the shooting. However, two other witnesses testified they did see Tutt with a gun.

Thomas testified she was inside a building across from the school when she heard gunshots. She told jurors she saw Tutt run away empty-handed and that she never lost sight of him as she ran outside.

The president of the Special Police Officer?s Union, Jerry Lane, says Thomas? account doesn?t add up. Lane says despite that, the jury gave Thomas? account more weight when it gave its verdict.

Lane wants investigators to look into possible motives for Thomas to have been less than truthful. Lane believes Tutt may have been involved with witness intimidation. He plans to meet with the police director and chief Monday to push for another probe of Tutt.

Meanwhile, Thomas was suspended without pay within hours of Tutt?s acquittal on the murder charge. She is now back at work on administrative duty.

For Lane?s account of the murder, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.

Related Information: