From [HERE] Only James D. Laboard knows his intentions the night Baltimore County police said the off-duty officer chased a group of teens who had thrown a rock at his home. But as authorities considered charges in the ensuing death of Christopher Brown, they had to try to discern Laboard's intentions. Laboard was charged with two counts of manslaughter — one involuntary — in the asphyxiation death of the Randallstown High School teen; either count could carry a 10-year sentence.

The victim's mother expressed outrage that the officer isn't facing more severe charges, alleging that the officer received preferential treatment and calling for an outside investigation. But several legal experts said the manslaughter charges may be the strongest possible, given what's known about the case. The difference between manslaughter and murder charges centers on whether a suspect intended to kill. Experts pointed out that according to the information that has been made public, there appear to be few witnesses and little evidence to provide insight into Laboard's intent on June 13.

According to police, Laboard was at home on June 13 when he heard a loud noise, went outside and found his front door damaged — and three or four people running, police said. He ran outside after them and caught up with Brown after chasing him for several blocks. Brown was hiding in bushes outside a home on Starbrook Road. Brown wore a knee brace so may have been slower than other boys. When Brown did not come out, Laboard grabbed him out of the bushes, and the two got into a physical confrontation. The officer then struggled with the teen and Brown eventually fell unconscious.