RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Relatives are outraged after a judge granted bond to a man charged with killing their loved one.
Family members of Phillip Whitaker, Jr. declared it’s just not right.
According to the prosecutor, 64-year-old Whitaker was trying to cut in line to pick up a prescription when a security guard confronted him.
At some point, the unarmed guard allegedly pulled or pushed the victim out of the way.
Whitaker fell to the ground, hit his head on the floor and died two days later.
Police say it happened earlier this month at a pharmacy at VCU Medical Center.
“A man is dead because of this defendant’s actions,” argued Richmond Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Davis Powell.
He is prosecuting the case against George Brown, Jr.
Brown is the 67-year-old security guard charged with involuntary manslaughter in the case.
“This is our justice? This is what we got? We knew that most likely he would make bond, but $15,000? You are kidding me?” argued the alleged victim’s daughter, Lisa Stanley.
Another daughter, Tammy Harris, said, “He murdered my dad and now he’s able to walk free? You tell me what is wrong with this picture? What is wrong with this justice system?”
Whitaker’s loved ones were so angry, they erupted in court and had to be escorted out by deputies.
One daughter shouted at Brown and called him a murderer.
“When you’re put in a position like that and your emotions are all over the place, sometimes you can’t restrain them,” explained Harris.
The suspect’s family, however, said nothing but “No comment.”
Brown’s brother and son stood by him in court.
We tried talking with Brown’s attorney, Craig Cooley. All he would say is that they hoped to get his client out of jail Friday afternoon.
Brown did bond out by late afternoon.
8News has learned he has lived in Richmond almost his entire life. He has been married 45 years and he’s a Marine veteran.
The judge did not believe Brown was a flight risk or a danger to society, that’s why, he explained, he granted bond.
Brown’s next court date will be set early next month.
