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April 14, 2026
Regarding the police conduct of the pursuit, Kansas City attorney John Picerno, who has represented families suing the department, said police chase cases are difficult to win because the laws are written in a way that protects police departments. “Car chases are a different thing entirely, and the law in Missouri is not favorable to plaintiffs in those types of lawsuits,” Picerno said in a phone interview. “Unfortunately, the laws need to be changed in order for plaintiffs to be able to pursue and win a claim under those circumstances.”
Read MoreApril 2, 2026
“Mrs. Wilson has lost her son, people have lost loved ones,” Picerno said. “It’s always a heartbreaking thing for any parent to go through to lose your child.”
Read MoreApril 1, 2026
"We believe the shooting was not justified since no one was in imminent danger, which is evidenced by the other officer's decision not to fire,” Defense Attorney John Picerno, who is representing Ms. Wilson in the lawsuit, said in a statement to KSHB 41 News.
Read MoreFeb. 17, 2026
“We certainly don’t need reckless law enforcement officers patrolling our streets,” Picerno said. “The decision to shoot should be the last alternative for an officer. The overwhelming majority of officers perform admirably under difficult circumstances. “An officer with his propensity for violence should never be allowed in the profession. I know my clients will be relieved.”
Read MoreFeb. 13, 2026
“I think one of the few and great things about this country that we still have is the right to be tried by jury. And a panel of citizens of our community gets to make a determination based on the facts and the law of whether or not a crime was alleged as opposed to some politicians down in Jeff City saying what should happen in a certain situation,” Picerno said.
Read MoreJan. 26, 2026
Three factors played out in his mind that could’ve changed the entire night, Picerno said. Picerno said he doesn’t believe that Newton was ever in danger or that Nelson even knew he was there. The second factor Picerno mentioned was that Nelson was acting in self-defense and the third being Newton never activated his lights or sirens
Read MoreJan. 22, 2026
John Picerno, an attorney who represented the victims, said he and his clients met with prosecutors Wednesday afternoon and was told about their decision not to file criminal charges. “My clients are obviously very disappointed that he’s not going to be charged,” Picerno said. “They simply cannot believe that he’s still employed by KCPD based upon the amounts of incidents that he’s been involved in.” In September, the Police Department agreed to pay $3.5 million to settle a civil lawsuit in the shooting deaths before the case went to trial.
Read MoreJan. 12, 2026
Many of those shooters were repeat offenders such as Blayne Newton, a notorious bad actor who has at least three on-duty deaths on his resume. In addition, he has faced credible accusations of using excessive force on women. Newton’s untoward acts have cost taxpayers millions of dollars in settlements.
Read MoreJan. 12, 2026
Picerno argued Good's actions in the video appeared evasive rather than threatening."When the car starts to back up, that should be the first indication to law enforcement that, A, she's not intent on harming us and, B, she's about getting ready to flee,"
Read MoreJan. 11, 2026
Picerno pointed to a specific detail in the video he wants people to notice.“I don’t think the officer was justified in using lethal force,” Picerno said. “It backs up, first of all. Typically, you wouldn’t associate backing up with an aggressive maneuver to run into some officers who were in front of her.”
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