Exonerated Man Fatally Shot During Traffic Stop in Georgia
Dashcam and Bodycam Footage Shows Alleged Excessive Force Leading to Fatal Shooting of Leonard Cure, Triggering Investigation and Prolonged Trauma Allegations by Family
- Leonard Cure, a Black man who had been wrongfully imprisoned for 16 years, was fatally shot by a white Georgia deputy during a traffic stop. Cure was suspected of reckless driving and was reportedly shot after he physically resisted arrest.
- Cure's family and representatives from the Innocence Project of Florida believe that Cure's response was triggered by psychological trauma from his years in prison and fear of re-arrest. Authorities are investigating whether the deputy unnecessarily escalated the situation and resorted to excessive force too quickly.
- Body camera and dash camera footage released by the Camden County Sheriff’s Office shows Cure questioning the reason for his arrest and refusing to comply, followed by a physical struggle between Cure and the deputy. The deputy had initially threatened to use a stun gun and later shot Cure at close range.
- The deputy, whose name has not been released, has been placed on administrative leave pending a review of the incident by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The findings will then be given to the Brunswick Judicial Circuit District Attorney who will determine whether to seek charges.
- Cure was wrongfully convicted of armed robbery in 2003 and served a life sentence until 2020 when new evidence surfaced proving his innocence. After his release, Cure was awarded $817,000 by the state of Florida for his wrongful conviction and incarceration.










































