Georgia sheriff releases video showing a violent struggle before deputy shoots exonerated man

Mary Cure holds a framed photo of her slain son, Leonard Cure, as she speaks to reporters Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2023, in Woodbine, Ga. A Camden County sheriff's deputy fatally shot Leonard Cure after pulling him over for reckless driving on Oct. 16, 2023. Three years earlier, he was freed from a Florida prison after serving 16 years for an armed robbery that officials later concluded he didn't commit. (AP Photo/Russ Bynum)

A Georgia deputy fatally shot a Black man at point-blank range during a traffic stop after the man, who had been wrongfully imprisoned years ago, grabbed the officer by the neck and was forcing his head backward, according to video released by a sheriff Wednesday.

The family of Leonard Cure, 53, viewed the dash and body camera video before Camden County Sheriff Jim Proctor’s office posted it online. Relatives said they suspect Cure resisted being arrested because of psychological trauma from spending 16 years imprisoned in Florida for an armed robbery he didn’t commit.

“I believe there were possibly some issues going on, some mental issues with my brother,” Michael Cure said of his slain brother. “I know him quite well. The officer just triggered him, undoubtedly triggered him. It was excitement met with excitement.”