By Matthew Barakat
Associated Press
FAIRFAX, Va. — A former police officer has collapsed in a Virginia courtroom after being denied bail on a murder charge in the 2013 shooting death of an unarmed man.
Adam Torres fainted Wednesday morning after being denied bail and as a judge scheduled a December trial on charges that Torres wrongfully shot and killed 46-year-old John Geer of Springfield in a standoff triggered by a domestic dispute call. Bailiffs cleared the courtroom as Torres lay on the ground receiving medical attention.
Torres was indicted Monday. Geer’s family criticized the county, saying officials stonewalled the investigation. The delay prompted congressional scrutiny.
The county paid $3 million this year to settle a lawsuit filed by Geer’s family.
Police say Torres and Geer are white. Race hasn’t been raised as a factor in the shooting.