Susan McCoy, a forensics science teacher at Pebblebrook High School in Mableton, Georgiaa was caught on camera this past week telling her class of students that Breonna Taylor was responsible for her own death. “I’m sorry she was killed but if you hang out with people with guns that shoot at cops you’re likely to get caught in the crossfire,” McCoy can be heard saying in reference to who she later identified as, “what’s her name? Breonna something–the one that was killed in the gunfire from the cops.”
The death of Breonna Taylor spurred thousands of protests around the world after she was shot and killed by Louisville police officers in March during a botched raid on her apartment. While a grand jury indicted one of the officers involved, and all ultimately fired- no one has gone to jail for her death. In September, Louisville officials agreed to pay $12 million to settle a wrongful-death lawsuit brought by Ms. Taylor’s mother and to institute a series of reforms aimed at preventing future deaths by police officers.
During this fateful class, students attempted to correct McCoy, but she doubled down on her claims and insisted , “She [Taylor] was hanging out with the guy who was wanted on charges. They knocked and he fired at them and they fired back. You know if you hang out with people who are criminals, and they shoot at a cop, you’re likely to get caught in the crossfire. It does not matter what color your skin is, you’re likely to get caught in the crossfire. I’m sorry she died—it’s sad but she put herself in that position by hanging out with somebody she shouldn’t have been with.”
There were at least two students who tried to correct the teacher with facts from the case, but McCoy doubled down and insisted that, “Like I said, I’m sorry she’s dead but they actually have proof that he fired at them first.”
Soon after the Cobb County School District released a statement saying it is “aware of the allegations and is investigating, and will follow any relevant District policy and as a District, we expect every member of our staff to treat each other with respect and understanding.”
Stay tuned for more as this story is updated.
Video of Pebblebrook high school Forensic Science teacher Susan McCoy telling her students Breonna Taylor was responsible for her death. This happened today. @CobbSchools https://t.co/UW93D93H3D pic.twitter.com/Ds0atEfDfK
— David Dennis Jr. (@DavidDTSS) February 26, 2021