“I don’t know that there’s any justification for that use of force,” Kleine said.

Kleine’s choice of charges drew outrage on both sides — from victim advocates and representatives of the police officers.

Payne’s attorney, Steve Lefler, called scrutiny of the officers’ actions “Monday morning quarterbacking.” McClarty’s attorney didn’t return phone calls.

“I want the community to know that Mr. Payne is not just a good guy, he’s a great guy,” Lefler said. “I’ve talked to older officers who have said that he’s one of the best recruits they’ve had in years.

“He did not become a police officer to hurt anybody, to kill anybody. He feels terrible that this happened.”

While the Omaha police union wanted no charges, others wanted more. LaMere, a Winnebago leader, questioned why Kleine didn’t charge everyone from the commanders to the other officers at the scene. Strudl and Mead have been placed on administrative leave.

“That day, June 5, no one needed to be served more than Zachary Bearheels,” LaMere said. “Nobody in this community needed to be protected more than Zachary Bearheels. He died at the hands of the Omaha Police Department.