Detroit cop who accidentally killed girl is back on the job

DETROIT – A Detroit police officer who accidentally killed a 7-year-old girl during a search for a murder suspect nearly five years ago has been restored to active duty.

Police Chief James Craig tells The Detroit News that Joseph Weekley is in the department's Criminal Investigations Bureau. He says Weekley "won't be in the field."

In May 2010, Weekley was a member of an elite group of officers that conducted risky missions. His gun fired, killing Aiyana Stanley-Jones, moments after he burst through the door of a home to find a murder suspect.

Weekley says he accidentally pulled the trigger during a struggle with Aiyana's grandmother. She denied it.

A judge cleared Weekley of involuntary manslaughter. A separate misdemeanor charge was dropped after two juries couldn't reach a verdict.