#Murder of Mike Brown

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KMOV: .

ST. LOUIS (KMOV.com/AP) – St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell will not file charges against former Ferguson Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown following a "re-investigation" into the case.

Bell made the announcement Thursday afternoon in a news conference. It was not previously known that he had reopened the case.

Michael Brown graduation photo. (Family Photo)

Bell, calling Thursday’s announcement “one of the most difficult things I’ve had to do as a prosecutor,” made the announcement that his office could not find concrete evidence Wilson committed murder or manslaughter.

The office’s newly-formed Conviction and Incident Review Unit conducted a five-month investigation into the evidence in the case. They examined thousands of pages of witness statements, forensic evidence and police reports. At the end of their investigation, Bell felt they could not bring charges.

“Although this case represents one of the most significant moments in St. Louis’ history, the question before this office was a simple one: Could we prove beyond a reasonable doubt that when Darren Wilson shot Michael Brown, he committed murder or manslaughter under Missouri law? After an independent and in-depth review of the evidence, we cannot prove that he did.”

However Bell was quick to say his decision does not exonerate Wilson.

On the fifth anniversary of Michael Brown's death in Ferguson, his father urged St. Louis County's top prosecutor Friday to reopen the investigation into the white police officer who fatally shot the black and unarmed 18-year-old.

“The question of whether we can prove a case at trial is different than clearing him of any and all wrongdoing,” he said. “There are so many points at which Darren Wilson could have handled the situation differently, and if he had, Michael Brown may still be alive.”

Bell said he met with the Brown family Thursday morning to tell them about his findings.

“I know this is not the result they were looking for, and their pain will continue forever," Bell said.

Bell’s predecessor, seven-term St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch, drew criticism for his handling of the investigation into the fatal shooting, with detractors accusing him of guiding the grand jury to its decision not to indict the Wilson, which came in November 2014, three months after Brown's death.

This decision to not charge Wilson Thursday drew a strong reaction from one member of the crowd, who began yelling at Bell and others from his office following the press conference.

"You lied! You said you were going to get a special prosecutor! You lied bro!," the man said, while wearing a shirt that read "Wesley Bell doesn't care about black people."

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Jacob Long at KSDK: 

ST. LOUIS COUNTY -  More than 60 years of legal experience walked out of the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney's Office on Wednesday morning.

According to multiple sources within the office, at least three prosecutors, including two who joined the office more than 30 years ago, were relieved of their duties.

They include Kathi Alizadeh, who for the last 10 years oversaw the office's child abuse and sexual assault unit.

She joined the office in 1988.

Alizadeh was also one of the prosecutors who presented evidence to the grand jury about former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson, who shot and killed Michael Brown in August 2014.

Wilson was not indicted on any charges.

In a phone conversation, she told Five on Your Side Investigative Reporter Jacob Long she was handed a letter stating she was "suspended pending termination."

She said she was "unsure" about the reasons for her dismissal. She confirmed that after she cleaned out her desk, she was escorted from the courthouse by county police.

Kathi Alizadeh is deservedly getting fired by Wesley Bell for wrongly handling the evidence in the Darren Wilson grand jury decision.

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3 years ago today, former #FergusonPD officer #DarrenWilson killed #MikeBrown on Canfield Dr. in #Ferguson. The shooting led to protests, riots, and unrest in the immediate aftermath of Brown's death. #BlackLivesMatter

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Charles Johnson at LGF:

Some surprising new information has come out about the shooting of unarmed Ferguson 18-year old Michael Brown, in a civil suit against police officer Darren Wilson. First, as Wesley Lowery describes in his Washington Post article, Wilson admitted he and other officers used racial slurs to refer to African Americans.

But more importantly, one of the claims Wilson made in order to justify shooting Brown 10 times was that Brown had reached into Wilson’s police car and tried to grab his gun. Wilson’s civil suit testimony makes it very clear that this claim was simply… a lie. He admits now that it never happened, and that in fact his holster was designed to prevent this from happening.

Document, via Google Docs:

Card

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Mitch Smith at NYT: 

In the two and a half years since Michael Brown, a black 18-year-old, was shot and killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, Mo., the explosive case has been parsed in intricate detail. Witnesses offered varying descriptions of the fatal encounter. Investigators examined bloodstain evidence on the street where Mr. Brown died. And the police released a security video from a nearby store that showed Mr. Brown pushing a worker and taking cigarillos minutes before the shooting.

But a second, previously unreported video from that same convenience store included in a new documentary is raising new questions about what happened in the hours before the shooting on Aug. 9, 2014.

The footage shows Mr. Brown entering the store, Ferguson Market and Liquor, shortly after 1 a.m. on the day he died. He approaches the counter, hands over an item that appears to be a small bag and takes a shopping sack filled with cigarillos. Mr. Brown is shown walking toward the door with the sack, then turning around and handing the cigarillos back across the counter before exiting.

Jason Pollock, a documentary filmmaker who acquired the new tape, says the footage challenges the police narrative that Mr. Brown committed a strong-armed robbery when he returned to the store around noon that day. Instead, Mr. Pollock believes that the new video shows Mr. Brown giving a small bag of marijuana to store employees and receiving cigarillos in return as part of a negotiated deal. Mr. Pollock said Mr. Brown left the cigarillos behind the counter for safekeeping.

“There was some type of exchange, for one thing, for another,” Lesley McSpadden, Mr. Brown’s mother, says in Mr. Pollock’s documentary, “Stranger Fruit,” which premiered Saturday at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Tex., and examines the shooting from the family’s perspective.

But Jay Kanzler, a lawyer for the convenience store and its employees, strongly disputes that version of events, and said the new footage is unrelated to Mr. Brown’s later visit to the store.

“There was no transaction,” Mr. Kanzler said. “There was no understanding. No agreement. Those folks didn’t sell him cigarillos for pot. The reason he gave it back is he was walking out the door with unpaid merchandise and they wanted it back.”

Regardless of what happened at the store in the early-morning hours, the new security footage does not resolve long-simmering questions about Mr. Brown’s encounter with Officer Darren Wilson along a Ferguson street that day. Officer Wilson, who claimed that he feared for his life and had been assaulted by Mr. Brown, was cleared of criminal wrongdoing by a county grand jury and federal civil rights investigators. He resigned from the Police Department.

Mr. Brown’s death and the sometimes violent protests that followed raised broad questions about how police officers treat black people, both in the St. Louis area and across the country, and many remain steadfast in their belief that Mr. Brown was murdered.

Protesters were particularly offended by the Ferguson Police Department’s decision to release the video that showed Mr. Brown shoving the store clerk, perceiving it as part of an effort to defame and demonize the young man. Ms. McSpadden, who also spells her first name as Lezley, questioned why that tape was released publicly while her son’s earlier visit to the store had been kept quiet.

“They destroyed Michael’s character with the tape, and they didn’t show us what actually happened,” said Mr. Pollock, who spent more than two years in Ferguson conducting research for his documentary, and who questions the decision to not charge Officer Wilson. “So this shows their intention to make him look bad. And shows suppression of evidence.”

The St. Louis County Police Department briefly mentioned Mr. Brown’s early-morning visit to the store in a lengthy report on the case, which tipped Mr. Pollock off to the existence of an additional video.

Sgt. Shawn McGuire, a spokesman for the county police, said in an email on Saturday that footage of the earlier encounter had not been released because it was not relevant to the investigation.

He added later that he could not confirm the video’s authenticity.

Spokesmen for the city of Ferguson and the St. Louis County prosecutor’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Saturday.

Mr. Brown’s parents have filed a federal lawsuit against Officer Wilson, the city of Ferguson and the former Ferguson police chief. A civil trial is scheduled to start next year.

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2 years ago today, in #Ferguson, Missouri, was the killing of #MikeBrown that changed America forever. #BlackLivesMatter

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One year ago today in #Ferguson: The #DarrenWilson Grand Jury handed down a No True Bill

One year ago today: The #DarrenWilson Grand Jury's foolish decision to hand him a No True Bill led to nationwide protests, riots, and looting (the latter two mentioned were mostly kept to Ferguson/Dellwood/Shaw). #Ferguson #MikeBrown

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Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of #DarrenWilson being handed a NTB (no indictment) for the killing of #MikeBrown. #Ferguson

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One year ago, on August 9, Michael Brown, Jr. was shot dead by Ferguson police. As his body lay on the hot pavement for four and a half hours, crowds of community members filled the streets, growing angry and confused. Faith leaders almost immediately became a central part of a movement that would ignite cities across the nation like wildfire, marching in the streets, getting arrested, and organizing rallies from the very birth of the protests.

This weekend, as Ferguson remembers Michael Brown and celebrates the birth of the Black Lives Matter movement, the church will once again be a pillar of support and strength for activists and community members, Keiller MacDuff, who organized an event for the Ferguson Uprising Commemoration Weekend, said. In panel discussions, documentary screenings, silent marches, civil disobedience demonstrations, and hip hop concerts, black faith leaders will be a strong and welcome presence.

Historically, churches in America across many denominations (Baptist, United Church of Christ, United Methodist, African Methodist Episcopal, and more) — have been integral to social movements and organization. Perhaps the most famous example was the civil rights movement of the 1960s, when Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. used the mobilizing power of black churches to connect leaders and push the nation forward.

Clergy have seen less prominence in the Black Lives Matter movement, but they still play an important role. Churches hold services and sermons about racial bias and inequality, and their leaders work outside the church too, participating in panels and civil disobedience demonstrations. Sometimes their actions even result in their arrest. “When you have ministers protesting on highways and getting arrested, that sends a message,” said Asher Kolieboi, activist and part-time Ferguson resident.

Clergy were repeatedly arrested from the start of the protests, including in a mass arrest at the police department in October. Members of the faith community were also there when the grand jury handed down the non-indictment of Officer Darren Wilson, keeping the peace while leading spirituals in protest of the decision.

Rev. Osagyefo Sekou of the interfaith peace organization the Fellowship of Reconciliation was among those arrested by St. Louis police during demonstrations. Now, leaders like Rev. Sekou are using their faith to support the Ferguson and St. Louis communities in their activism efforts. “In a broader context, it is worth mentioning that Jesus was born to an unwed mother into an unimportant people in an unimportant part of the world, and was executed by the state,” Sekou told ThinkProgress.

This comparison between the Biblical story and that of Michael Brown’s is not uncommon. Kolieboi agreed, saying, it is a “wonderful analogy and parallel, particularly for people who understand the historic and political importance of the murder.” They suggested that the similarities between both stories appealed to the faith of many communities, thus pushing them to act.

Throughout the tense racial atmosphere of recent years, many communities of color have clung to their faith. “People recognize that one of the byproducts of oppression is it crushes people spiritually,” Kolieboi said. “So in every single major action, there were clergy there for spiritual support.”

Following the killing, clergy directed efforts for healing, planning, and prayer. Then, there was civil disobedience, marches, and voter registration campaigns, all supported and promoted by black churches. The church provided a space removed from the violence against their community, Kolieboi said. Pastors led efforts to register voters and turn them out on Election Day in a campaign called “Souls to the Polls.” Rallies, educational, and outreach efforts brought Ferguson residents to the polls in higher numbers last year, according to clergy.

What’s next for clergy’s role in the Black Lives Matter movement remains to be seen, but it seems like their role will only grow outside the church’s walls. “There is a new church that has emerged,” Sekou said. “It is the sanctuary of the streets and the communion of protest.”

Rupali Srivastava is an intern with ThinkProgress.

H/T: Rupauli Srivastava at Think Progress Justice

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Today marks one year since the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Throughout the country UCC congregations are joining to pray together for racial justice. We invite you to pause and join in this prayer of lament wherever you are -

Prayer of Lament (with verses from the Psalms, especially 19 & 74)

God of the cross and the lynching tree, of the jail cell and the street corner, of the bible study and the police car, look upon the world you have made. See how it is full of hatred and how violence inhabits the earth.

Gunshots ring out under the heavens that declare your glory, singing the destruction of your children. Do you not hear our songs? How long, O God, will you keep silence? How long will we fail to be your voice?

The streets and sidewalks of your dwelling place flow with blood, pouring out the cries of your beloveds. Do you not hear our cries? How long, O God, will you keep silence? How long will we fail to be your voice?

The breaths snatched from lungs swirl on wind that blew creation to life, echoing with the last gasps of your dear ones. Do you not hear our gasps? How long, O God, will you keep silence? How long will we fail to be your voice?

The bones that you knit together in a mother’s womb are broken, rattling with the earth-shaking suffering of your people. Do you not hear our rattling? How long, O God, will you keep silence? How long will we fail to be your voice?

The clanging of cell doors resounds amidst the music of the spheres, tolling the lives stolen by systemic oppression and unspeakable violence. Do you not hear the tolling? How long, O God, will you keep silence? How long will we fail to be your voice?

The crashing of fire-licked windows mingles with the praise and prayers of generations, shattering the refuge and safety of your sanctuaries. Do you not hear the shattering? How long, O God, will you keep silence? How long will we fail to be your voice?

In these days, as in days past, our mothers and grandmothers have become mourners. our fathers and grandfathers have become grievers. our children have become wanderers in vacant rooms. our kinfolk have become pallbearers. our communities have become filled with empty chairs. Remember the people you have redeemed, Holy One. Remember the work of salvation brought about by your love.

You made a way out of no way for slaves to cross the sea on dry land. Arise O God and defend your own cause. Raise up in us the cries of outrage.

You made water to flow in the dessert for Hagar and Ishmael when they were driven out. Arise O God and defend your own cause. Raise up in us commitment to the long struggle for justice.

You cast out demons so that people might be restored to community. Arise O God and defend your own cause. Raise up in us the determination to drive out racism.

You witnessed the death of your Beloved Child. Arise O God and defend your own cause. Raise up in us the grief that cannot be comforted.

You brought new life from the crucifixion of state violence and the wounds of abandonment. Arise O God and defend your own cause. Raise up in us courage the to speak truth to power, and hope to hatred.

God of the ones with hands up and the ones who can’t breathe, of those who ‪#‎sayhername‬ and those who ‪#‎shutitdown‬, of “we who believe in freedom” and we who “have nothing to lose but our chains,” look upon the world you have made. Do not forget your afflicted people forever so that we might praise your holy name with joyful lips. Amen.

(Prayer by the Rev. Dr. Sharon R. Fennema. You can find this and other prayers for today via http://bit.ly/1K8ija7)

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BREAKING: Mike Brown's family have announced that they are filing a civil suit against the city of #Ferguson. #MikeBrown

BREAKING: Mike Brown's family have announced that they are filing a civil suit against the city of #Ferguson. #MikeBrown

— Justin Gibson (@JGibsonDem) April 23, 2015

The family of #MikeBrown announcing the filing of a civil suit against the city of #Ferguson pic.twitter.com/Y5OZHDrlZx

— Christina Coleman (@ChristinaKSDK) April 23, 2015

JUST IN #MichaelBrown's parents to sue #Ferguson for wrongful death on Thursday. Alert doesn't mention Darren Wilson. pic.twitter.com/rAXfhGAcAZ

— Jason Sickles (@jasonsickles) April 23, 2015

BREAKING: Family of Michael Brown announces they are filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Ferguson.

— KSDK NewsChannel 5 (@ksdknews) April 23, 2015

#MichaelBrown's family's attorneys are announcing the details of their civil lawsuit tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. CST

— Jessica Lussenhop (@Lussenpop) April 23, 2015

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On Monday, four journalists who were arrested while covering the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri following the killing of unarmed teenager Michael Brown last summer filed a lawsuit against St. Louis County, the St. Louis County Police, and 20 police officers.

Brought by German journalists Ansgar Graw, Frank Hermann and Lukas Hermsmeier, as well as The Intercept's Ryan Devereaux, the suit accuses Ferguson police of battery, false arrest and unreasonable search and seizure.

"This unlawful conduct was undertaken with the intention of obstructing, chilling, deterring, and retaliating against Plaintiffs for engaging in constitutionally-protected speech, newsgathering, and recording of police activities," the complaint reads.

The complaint details how Devereaux and Hermsmeier were shot at with rubber bullets by police officers after raising their hands in the air and clearly identifying themselves as members of the press. According to the document, Devereaux and Hermsmeier were then arrested, left hand-cuffed in plastic ties for several hours and charged with refusal to disperse.

Graw and Herrmann were also charged with refusal to disperse and arrested while presenting their press badges. The suit claims that the officers purposefully tightened the journalists' plastic ties in order to "inflict pain" on them. When Graw asked for an officer's name, the man responded, "Donald Duck."

"This was a very new experience," Graw said at the time. "I've been in several conflict zones: I was in the civil war regions in Georgia, the Gaza strip, illegally visited the Kaliningrad region when travel to the Soviet Union was still strictly prohibited for westerners, I've been in Iraq, Vietnam and in China, I've met Cuba dissidents. But to be arrested and yelled at and be rudely treated by police? For that I had to travel to Ferguson and St. Louis in the United States of America."

The suit asks for unspecified punitive damages.

"Plaintiffs now bring this action to assure that present and future First Amendment protected activities of Plaintiffs and others will not be suppressed by Defendants, in violation of both Missouri and U.S. Constitutional guarantees," the claim reads.

According to Freedom of the Press Foundation, as of Nov. 2014 24 journalists have been arrested while covering the unrest in Ferguson.

h/t: Jackson Connor at HuffPost

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BREAKING: Murdering former #FergusonPD cop Darren Wilson will NOT face any federal charges. #Ferguson #DarrenWilson

Darren Wilson Will Not Face Civil Rights Charges In Michael Brown's Death

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Today is the 6-month anniversary of the murder of #MikeBrown by former #FergusonPD cop #DarrenWilson. #Ferguson #BlackLivesMatter

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ST. LOUIS (AP) – A St. Louis County judge has rejected a request by the NAACP’s Legal Defense and Educational Fund to convene a new grand jury to consider charges against the Ferguson police officer who fatally shot 18-year-old Michael Brown.

The civil rights group says a court administrator responded on behalf of St. Louis County Circuit Judge Maura McShane, whom it had asked in a Jan. 5 letter to also appoint a special prosecutor to oversee the case.

The group had cited concerns about the decision by Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch to allow a witness to provide false testimony, as well as erroneous legal instructions to grand jurors.

The grand jury declined to indict former Ferguson officer Darren Wilson.

h/t: Fox2now.com