Deputy with History of Violence Fatally Shoots Exonerated Man

Critics Question Camden County Sheriff's Office for Tolerating Unnecessary Violence

Staff Sgt. Buck Aldridge, who fatally shot Leonard Cure, had a history of violence and was previously fired for excessive force during a traffic stop.
Leonard Cure, who was shot by Aldridge, was exonerated and freed in 2020 after spending 16 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit.
Camden County Sheriff's Office, which hired Aldridge, has been criticized for tolerating unnecessary violence. Six deputies have been indicted and fired for violence against detainees and a motorist since last year.
Camden County's government was dropped by its insurance company due to a spike in claims involving the sheriff's office, increasing their deductible for liability from $25,000 to $250,000.
Experts believe Aldridge's shooting of Cure was legal, but criticize his lack of control and deescalation efforts.