Officer Darren Wilson will not be charged in the killing of Michael Brown, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch announced Monday night. A grand jury decided Monday morning not to indict Wilson on counts ranging from first-degree murder to involuntary manslaughter. The grand jury reviewed evidence and heard witness testimony for three months after Brown, 18, was gunned down by Wilson on Aug. 9. McCulloch said he will release to the public evidence the grand jury reviewed to make its decision.
“We are profoundly disappointed that the killer of our child will not face the consequence of his actions,” Brown’s family wrote in a statement. “While we understand that many others share our pain, we ask that you channel your frustration in ways that will make a positive change.”
McCulloch said that Brown’s blood was found on the squad car and he was shot after he turned toward Wilson. The officer’s medical examination found “some swelling and redness to his face.” Wilson’s attorneys released a statement saying that “many people will want to second-guess the grand jury’s decision,” and said that their client “would like to thank those who have stood by his side.”