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DOJ Moves to Dismiss Charges Against Ex-Officers in Breonna Taylor Case
The Department of Justice asks a federal judge to drop the case against the two former Louisville police officers connected to Breonna Taylor's death.
Mar. 21, 2026 at 1:49pm
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The Department of Justice has asked a federal judge to dismiss the case against the two former Louisville police officers, Joshua Jaynes and Kyle Meany, who were charged in connection with the 2020 shooting death of Breonna Taylor. The DOJ originally accused the officers of using excessive force, creating false information to search Taylor's home, and covering up their wrongdoing. However, the DOJ now says it has reviewed the matter further and determined the case should be dismissed "in the interest of justice."
Why it matters
Breonna Taylor's death in 2020 sparked nationwide outrage and protests over police brutality and racial injustice. The DOJ's move to dismiss the charges against the former officers involved is likely to be seen as a setback for those seeking accountability in Taylor's death, and could further erode public trust in the justice system.
The details
The DOJ originally charged Jaynes and Meany in August 2022, alleging they used excessive force, created false information to search Taylor's home, and covered up their wrongdoing. Both officers were fired following the accusations. In their dismissal request, the DOJ said the court had previously reduced charges against the officers on multiple counts. Jaynes and Meany had argued that neither was present at the raid that resulted in Taylor's death.
- Breonna Taylor was shot and killed by Louisville police officers in March 2020.
- The DOJ originally charged Jaynes and Meany in August 2022.
- The DOJ has now asked a federal judge to dismiss the case against the two former officers.
The players
Joshua Jaynes
A former Louisville police officer who was charged in connection with Breonna Taylor's death, but is now having those charges dismissed by the DOJ.
Kyle Meany
A former Louisville police officer who was charged in connection with Breonna Taylor's death, but is now having those charges dismissed by the DOJ.
Breonna Taylor
A Black woman who was shot and killed by Louisville police officers executing a warrant at her apartment in March 2020, sparking nationwide outrage and protests.
What they’re saying
“The Department of Justice's request is not only callous but deeply disrespectful to the memory of Breonna Taylor and to her family, who have waited six long years for justice. This action sends a troubling message and risks undermining public trust in our justice system.”
— NAACP Louisville Branch
“Meany is 'incredibly grateful for today's filing' and was 'looking forward to putting this matter behind him and moving on with his life.'”
— Michael Denbow, Meany's attorney
“Jaynes 'did absolutely nothing wrong.'”
— Thomas Clay, Jaynes' lawyer
What’s next
The federal judge will now decide whether to grant the DOJ's request to dismiss the charges against Jaynes and Meany.
The takeaway
The DOJ's move to dismiss the charges against the former Louisville officers involved in Breonna Taylor's death is likely to be seen as a setback for those seeking accountability, and could further erode public trust in the justice system's ability to hold law enforcement accountable for incidents of police brutality and racial injustice.
