Officer on trial for Stanwood man’s death

Everett police officer Troy Meade (left) keeps a straight face as prosecutors outline his role in the June 10, PHOTO BY JEREMIAH O Troy Meade, the Everett police officer charged with second-degree murder for his role in the line of duty shooting death of Stanwood resident Niles Meservey, remained expressionless as deputy prosecutor John Adcock outlined the incident during opening statements on Wednesday.

“Police officers are supposed to serve and protect,” Adcock told jurors in Snohomish County Superior Court. “On the night of June 10, 2009, the defendant did neither. On June 10, 2009, the defendant committed murder.”

Adcock said testimony by fellow Everett police officer Steven Klocker and evidence provided by Snohomish County Multi-Agency Response Team (SMART) investigators would prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Meade “recklessly” shot Meservey with intention to kill.

Troy Meade’s defense attorney David Allen. PHOTO BY JEREMIAH O Klocker, who was second to respond on the scene, told investigators there was no imminent danger or threat from the highly intoxicated Meservey, said Adcock.

Meservey refused orders from Meade to get out of his vehicle parked outside the Chuckwagon Inn. The defendant shocked Meservey twice with a Taser before firing eight shots into the rear of the vehicle, Adcock said.

Adcock said Klocker was “astonished” by Meade’s use of force in a situation where other options were available.

“No one, and I mean no one, is above the law,” said Adcock. “Not a police officer. Not the defendant.”

Meade’s attorney, David Allen, began his remarks by reminding the jury that an opening statement is not evidence.

“It is important, therefore, to keep an open mind,” he said.

Allen said his case will start with his cross examination of the prosecution’s key witness.

“Officer Klocker is not credible,” said Allen. “He ran away that day.”

Allen accused Klocker of embellishing his side of the facts weeks after the initial report and questioned the officer’s actions in a support role.

Allen proposed Meade’s side of the story will depict a necessary use of force.

“Events were spiraling out of control,” said Allen. “Officer Meade’s options were limited.”

The split-second decision to shoot, Allen said, was conducive with Meade’s extensive training regarding in the line of fire situations.

“He’s been taught ‘You fire until the threat ends. You don’t fire at the car or the tires. You don’t fire to wound. You don’t fire warning shots. You fire at the person driving the car until the threat goes away,’” said Allen.

Once again Allen prompted the jury to keep an open mind throughout the testimony.

“Officer Troy Meade was doing his duty,” he said. “If Niles Meservey didn’t die, it could have been Troy, or someone else.”

Prior to the trial, Judge Gerald Knight advised the jurors to base their decision on what occurs inside the courtroom rather than coverage in the media.

The ingredients for rendering a verdict, said Judge Knight, include testimony, documents of evidence called exhibits and common sense, “something you’re entitled to draw upon.”

The trial continued throughout the week with testimony from SMART investigators and Officer Klocker. Troy Meade is expected to take the stand in his defense this week.

Staff Reporter Adam Stewart: 629-8066 ext. 115 or astewart@scnews.com.