Crestview police officers indicted for manslaughter

CRESTVIEW, Fla. — A Grand Jury has indicted three Crestview Police Officers for manslaughter, the Office of the State Attorney has announced.

The Grand Jury found probable cause to indict Brandon Hardaway, William Johns, and Evan Reynolds for the crime of manslaughter, according to the State Attorney’s Office said.

The Grand Jury met on June 6, 2022, in Okaloosa County and examined the circumstances and issues surrounding the death of Calvin Wilks, Jr., which occurred during an encounter with Crestview Police Department officers on October 14, 2021.

The Office of the Medical Examiner determined the manner of death was a homicide, the State Attorney’s Office said.

The Grand Jury found probable cause to indict Hardaway, Johns, and Reynolds for the crime of manslaughter. The cases will now be referred to Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for the 1st Judicial Circuit, State of Florida, to prosecute the cases.

“The members of the Grand Jury performed their duties as a citizen’s review of Mr. Calvin Wilks, Jr.’s death,” said Madden.

“My office will prosecute the cases accordingly. Let us understand that our law enforcement officers face a difficult job every day; however, the sanctity of a life must never be unjustifiably compromised.”

The jury must find beyond a reasonable doubt that a person indicted by the Grand Jury committed a crime before they can be convicted.

The offense of manslaughter, under Florida law, is a second-degree felony that is punishable by a maximum sentence of fifteen years in prison.

Grand Jury proceedings are confidential by law, and the prosecutor’s comments about any testimony, evidence, or other discussions are prohibited.