Two West Virginia State Police Troopers have been discharged following an internal investigation into the beating of a 16-year-old Martinsburg resident in November.
A spokesperson for the West Virginia State Police says Michael Kennedy and Derek Walker, who both held the rank of Trooper First Class, have been discharged from the force. Their discharge is effective as of Thursday. Both Kennedy and Walker had been suspended without pay.
State Police say the suspect was involved in a Nov. 19 crash with a sheriff's department cruiser and then crashed again following a pursuit.
Dashcam video of the suspect’s apprehension brought into question whether Kennedy and Walker used excessive force.
Following the initial news of the incident, Gov. Jim Justice called for State Police superintendent Col. J.L. Cahill to open an investigation and pursue criminal charges against the troopers if warranted.
A request for comment from the Berkeley County prosecutor's office was not immediately returned.
