Officer who gunned down woman through a window in her own home free on bail hours after murder arrest

The Texas police officer who resigned just before he was arrested on murder charges has been released on $200,000 bail.

USA Today reports that former Fort Worth police officer Aaron Dean was freed on bail Monday night, hours after his arrest. Earlier Monday, Dean resigned from the department before he could be fired.

Dean, who is white, responded to a home in Fort Worth early Saturday morning for a wellness check, following a neighbor’s non-emergency call about the front door being open at the residence. Police bodycam footage released by the department shows the officers quietly moving around the perimeter of the home; at no point are they heard announcing themselves as police. Just as an officer approaches a window at the home, he can be heard saying “Put your hands up, show me your hands” before a gunshot rings out.

The gunfire killed 28-year-old Atatiana Jefferson, who is black. As CrimeOnline previously reported, she is believed to have been playing video games with her young nephew and there is no indication she was involved in anything illegal.

Fort Worth police interim Chief Ed Kraus said at a press conference on Monday that Dean had acted “inappropriately” and would have been fired had he not resigned, adding that Dean’s record would show he was dishonorably discharged.

It is unclear when Dean is next due in court. Fort Worth police are expected to hold a press conference on Tuesday morning.
