BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — For the first time since the grueling trial began, family members of slain suspect Mubarak Soulemane took to the microphones to reiterate their disappointment in the verdict but also chart a path forward.
Trooper Brian North was acquitted on all charges connected to his killing, but four years later you can still read the pain on their faces and hear it in their voices, as the family of Souleman shared how it felt.
“It’s been a long four years,” said Omo Mohammed, Mubarak’s mother.
From the original pain of loss, to the courtroom trauma of reliving a nightmare, to a pervasive feeling that justice is forever out of reach, the family has experienced a gauntlet of emotions.
“It’s been hard. Very stressful. I’m not happy with the verdict but I respect it,” said Mohammed.
The family of 19-year-old Mubarak Soulemane shared its thoughts for the first time since 33-year-old Connecticut State Police Trooper Brian North was acquitted of all charges connected to his killing. What would family members say to him? “No comment. No comment,” remarked Mariyann Soulemane, Mubarak’s sister.
The criminal trial is over, but a civil lawsuit will now move forward as a final plea for accountability.
“We are going to move on. We have another step to take, which is a civil case, and we want it to be done soon,” said Mohammed.
It was January of 2020 when Soulemane, who was in the midst of a mental health episode, led police on a chase in a stolen car down I-95, crashing in West Haven.
“Police officers obviously do not have the training to deal with those who suffer from mental illness,” said Mariyann.
Troopers surrounded the vehicle and less than a minute later, North fired seven shots. North claimed he thought Soulemane lunged at officers with a knife.
“He stepped out of that car and within 36 seconds he shot seven gunshots into my brother, who was seated in a car with the windows up. That should say it all,” said Mariyann.
The state Office of the Inspector General said officers failed to de-escalate and deemed the use of deadly force unjustified, saying no officers were in danger because Soulemane was contained in the car.
“The real justice would be my brother being here today and not having been killed so ruthlessly the way he was by Brian North with seven gunshots,” said Mariyann.
Criminal defense attorney Mark Arons told FOX61 the issue of qualified immunity for police officers should be scrutinized.
“Yes. But that’s something that has to be taken up on a national basis,” said Arons.
He said prosecuting law enforcement shouldn’t be as rare as it is.
RELATED: Jurors get close look at body cam videos taken day of fatal shooting involving Trooper Brian North
“(It's the) first time ever that any state trooper has been prosecuted in the state of Connecticut. And it’s the first time in 18 years that any law enforcement officer, state or municipal, has been prosecuted for shooting someone, so it almost never happens.”
Arons told FOX61 he has not spoken with any of the jurors. As the legal team moves forward with the civil suit, Arons said it should be easier because the burden of proof changes from beyond a reasonable doubt to a preponderance of the evidence. He also said they are willing to accept a settlement offer to avoid re-litigating and re-traumatizing the family.
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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