A homeless man was shot dead by police in 2015, but a judge just threw out the officer's murder charge over legal errors
Former LAPD Officer Clifford Proctor will not stand trial for the death of Brendon Glenn after a judge blamed prosecutors for bad planning and delays.
When a police officer shoots an unarmed person, we expect the justice system to find the truth. But a series of mistakes by prosecutors means this case may never go to a jury.
WHAT HAPPENED
In May 2015, LAPD officer Clifford Proctor shot and killed 29-year-old Brendon Glenn near the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Glenn was homeless and drunk at the time.
For years, prosecutors did not charge Proctor. Then, in September 2024, a grand jury indicted him for second-degree murder. Proctor was arrested in October 2025 as he tried to leave the country.
Now, a Los Angeles judge has dismissed the whole case. The judge blamed the prosecutors for waiting too long and failing to present key facts to the grand jury.
What the evidence shows
- Brendon Glenn was unarmed and did not pose a deadly threat to the officers.
- Officer Proctor was angry and cursed at Glenn, threatening to shoot his dog.
- Proctor's partner did not hear any warning and did not believe Glenn was a threat.
- Proctor asked a witness to tell a false story after the shooting occurred.
- Prosecutors missed the deadline to charge Proctor with voluntary manslaughter.
THE BIGGER QUESTION
How can a major police shooting take nearly ten years to reach a grand jury, only to fall apart because of basic legal errors? When politics and delay get in the way of a trial, the public loses trust in the courts.
We need to ask why the district attorney's office let the clock run out on simpler charges. If the system cannot handle these cases on time, true justice becomes impossible.
THE OTHER SIDE
The defense argued that the prosecutor hid evidence that favored Officer Proctor. They also pointed out that the time limit to charge Proctor with manslaughter had already passed. A previous district attorney report in 2018 also found there was not enough proof to show Proctor acted unlawfully.
This argument is very strong in the eyes of the law, as the judge agreed the prosecutor made deep mistakes.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW
The current District Attorney, Nathan J. Hochman, says he will appeal the judge's decision to throw out the case. But for now, Proctor is free.
This decision leaves local residents and homeless advocates feeling like the police are above the law. It also means the family of Brendon Glenn must wait even longer for answers.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
Why did the district attorney wait so many years before bringing this case to a grand jury?
- Did the special prosecutor make these legal mistakes on purpose, or was it just poor work?
- Will an appeals court agree with the judge, or will Officer Proctor finally have to stand trial?