From Freedom to Accountability: The Story of a Georgia Cop’s Lies and Violence in the Killing of an Unarmed Black Man

A former Georgia officer involved in the fatal shooting of an exonerated man during a traffic stop in 2023 has been indicted by a federal grand jury for numerous civil rights offenses, including excessive force and report fabrication. The 13-count indictment against Camden County Sgt. Buck William Aldridge details incidents of unwarranted force on four occasions while he served as a deputy with the Camden County Sheriff’s Office, as stated by the Department of Justice.Aldridge gained notoriety after the October 2023 incident where he shot 53-year-old Leonard Cure during a traffic stop. Cure, who had been wrongly imprisoned for over 16 years, was visiting his mother when he was stopped and subsequently shot at close range. The indictment cites multiple instances of Aldridge's excessive force, including tasing and assaulting individuals, while he allegedly covered up his actions in official reports. His past history of misconduct led to scrutiny from Cure's family, who insists accountability starts at the top. Aldridge, now relieved of his duties, faces severe penalties pending the ongoing investigation. (Photo: WSB-TV screenshot / YouTube)