The original content of Democracy Now! Headlines appears under the Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 3.0 License (United States). For more, including their other shows and media, visit www.democracynow.org. February 24, 2015 Los Angeles Police Avoid Charges for Killing Unarmed Veteran on Live TV ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Three Los Angeles police officers have avoided criminal charges for shooting an unarmed, disabled veteran on live television. Billy Beaird was shot in December 2013 following a car chase which aired live on local news. Beaird's father was among those who watched live as his son emerged from his car, raised his hands and was shot 13 times. Prosecutors found the fatal shots hit Beaird while he fell or while he was on the ground, but they said there was insufficient evidence to prove the officers did not fire to defend themselves or someone else. Late last year, the officers were found to have violated department rules. They have been relieved of duty without pay, pending punishment. The city has approved a $5 million settlement for Beaird's family. .