In this series, we're going to tell you about what's been described as a toxic culture of misconduct and retaliation within the Metro Nashville Police Department. And the disciplinary system that has allowed that culture to thrive.

Three years ago today, a white Nashville police officer shot and killed a Black man while he ran away with a gun in his hand. He was supposed to stand trial for murder this July. Instead, he took a last-minute plea deal. And the victim’s family was outraged.

Credits: WPLN News Investigates: Deadly Force is a production of Nashville Public Radio. Editing for this episode came from Chas Sisk, Emily Siner and Anita Bugg. The episode was written, produced and sound designed by me, Samantha Max. Damon Mitchell also contributed reporting. And a big thank you to the entire team at WPLN News. Pool audio from the plea hearing comes from NewsChannel5. Other news tape comes from channel 5 and Fox17. Find all our coverage of the case at wpln.org. This is Deadly Force, a WPLN News Investigation.

Deadly Force host Samantha Max was in court as Andrew Delke took a plea deal. She speaks with WPLN host Nina Cardona about the deal, how the sides agreed to it, and how people have reacted.

The first Metro Nashville Police Department officer charged with murder for an on-duty killing will not stand trial after all.

Jury selection for Andrew Delke’s trial was slated to begin next week. But his attorney says his client has agreed to a plea deal for voluntary manslaughter, which he will formally accept in criminal court.

Jim Todd has been practicing law for more than a quarter of a century. And as a defense attorney who also spent more than a decade in the Nashville District Attorney’s office, he’s seen the legal system from both sides. But next week, it won't be an ordinary civilian going on trial. It'll be a Nashville police officer, the first to be charged with murder for an on-duty killing.