A 12 man jury consisting of 6 white men, 3 white women, 2 black women and a black man
met on 25 different occasions hearing over 70 hours of witness testimonies as well as 3 medical examiners and other experts on blood, toxicology and firearms before coming to the conclusion that officer Brown did not commit a crime by shooting and killing the unarmed teenager.
A grand jury’s decision not to indict a cop for killing unarmed black teen has resulted to violent protests in America. Thousands of people took to the streets of New York and Los Angeles to protest against the jury’s decision not to indict Ferguson, Missouri, Police Officer Darren (28) for shooting and killing 18 year old Michael Brown. According to the jury, officer Wilson acted ‘lawfully’.
Brown was shot and killed on the 9th of August 2014 and evidence released showed the teen was being pursued by Officer Darren in connection with a robbery that took place in a convenience store. The teen’s family who said they were ‘profoundly disappointed’ with the decision called for a peaceful protest against what they felt was lack of justice for their son’s death.
While many people came out to support the family and register their dissatisfaction as well, the protest did not stay peaceful as it turned violent and people started throwing stones, burning cars and building – and breaking into business premises and looting them as well as causing massive chaos.
A public storage center, Walgreens Pharmacy, a Little Caesars pizza shop, and petrol station, are some of the businesses that have been burnt down. There are reports of gunshots and it is alleged that police officers were being targeted by protesters. A Missouri cop has also been reported shot.
About 29 people have been arrested by the police while 13 are reported to have sustained injuries. No death has occurred and the police said they they have not fired a shot. However, tear gas and rubber bullets were fired by police.
[author ]Noretta Loum[/author]