The trial of Martyn Blake, the Metropolitan Police marksman charged with the murder of Chris Kaba, has revealed intense moments leading up to the fatal shooting of the 24-year-old driver. Prosecutors allege Blake acted with unjustified force on the night of September 5, 2022, when he shot Kaba through the windshield of his Audi during what police described as an enforced stop.
Details presented at the Old Bailey illustrated the chaotic sequence of events. Blake, aged 40, reportedly opened fire after Kaba attempted to escape police blockade, driving the Audi first forward and then reversing back toward officers. Prosecutor Tom Little KC argued Blake’s fears of imminent danger did not justify the lethal response, especially considering Kaba was unarmed.
“At the point when the trigger was pulled, there was no real or immediate threat to the life of anybody present,” Little asserted, indicating the urgency with which the jury would need to assess Blake's actions.
Body-worn video footage and graphic reconstructions were presented to help jurors visualize the scenario. Blake claimed his actions were precipitated by fears for the safety of his colleagues, stating, “The male had already shown a propensity to use violence,” which he argued led him to believe using his firearm was necessary.
Despite this assertion, evidence gathered suggests Kaba was not armed at the time of the confrontation. Witnesses heard cries from officers exclaiming, “Shots fired,” shortly after Blake discharged his weapon. Following the incident, Kaba was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital.
The jury has been informed about the preceding events leading handlers to target Kaba’s vehicle, which had been linked to reports of gunfire the night before. Prosecutors highlighted the police operation involving five marked and unmarked units to conduct the stop.
During the trial, it was revealed Blake had been described by higher-ranking officers as “calm and collected.” His temperament had been repeatedly brought up during cross-examination by the defense, who argued his experience and training should be taken as mitigating factors against the charges of murder.
Leading the prosecution case, Little pointed out, “Nothing Chris Kaba did in the seconds before he was shot justified the defendant's decision to shoot,” emphasizing the decision-making process of the officer involved.
Kaba had been driving through south London when he was encircled by police vehicles at Kirkstall Gardens, Streatham. The dramatic confrontation culminated with the police asserting their power over the situation, ordering Blake to take action to prevent any potential flight from Kaba.
Blake’s defense suggested the delay of action could lead to greater risk for the officer's safety, echoing concerns voiced by Tactical Firearms Commander HA62, who ordered the enforced stop due to the perceived danger posed by Kaba’s driving. Blake’s statement about Kaba “driving at great speed” fueled the narrative of fear among the armed officers.
Yet, independent analysis of the Audi’s computer system challenged Blake’s assessment, showing the maximum recorded speed engaged against police vehicles was merely 12 miles per hour, significantly limiting the threat perception articulated by the marksman.
Defense attorney Patrick Gibbs pressed the testimony from HA62, who noted, “Calm, collected” responses characterized Blake’s approach. The trial has gotten intense as the jurors have been led through contrasting narratives of urgency versus caution.
Family members of Kaba, including his mother, Helen Lumuanganu who was visibly upset during the proceedings, sat closely as they began processing the palpable grief associated with these disclosures.
Whether the jury will find Blake guilty or not relies heavily on their interpretation of events. The notion of fear experienced by Blake versus the factual dangers present to other police officers presents complex legal and moral questions bound to resonate beyond the court.
The trial continues with significant attention to each statement delivered, with the court due to resume discussions on key verdicts surrounding the case. Blake remains not guilty of all counts linked to the act he stately defined as necessary to prevent the killing of his fellow officers.
This trial not only highlights police conduct under high-pressure scenarios but also sheds light on the delicate balance between lawful enforcement and unnecessary violence. The broader community watches closely, aware of how these findings could shape policing practices and public trust.
