Sources told CNN Saturday that the St. Louis County grand jury did not come up with a decision on whether or not to indict Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson for the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown on Aug. 9, and it’s unclear at this point when or if the grand jury will convene.
The grand jury has until January to make a decision, although experts believed a decision was likely to be made yesterday and possibly announced on Sunday, as local law enforcement have requested a 48 hours notice before the official decision is announced, in order to brace for reactions which could possibly turn violent.
There has also been recent rumors of Wilson’s possible resignation following the grand jury’s decision, but no such official decision has been announced. Although Wilson, who has been on paid administrative leave, believes his actions were justified, he has told those close to him that, in an attempt to encourage peace in the area, he will not be returning to the force, regardless of the grand jury’s decision.
Wilson maintains that he fired in self-defense following a physical confrontation between him and the teen, resulting in injuries to Wilson’s face. Details of the investigation, including the autopsy report, seem to back Wilson’s assertion. However, several witnesses claim that Wilson killed Brown while the teen was attempting to surrender, with his hands raised up in the air.
Wilson’s supporters suggest that although the teen was unarmed, his large build was used in an intimating and threatening manner. Wilson also claimed that Brown grabbed for his service pistol, an account which the investigation seems to back up through gunshot wounds found on Brown and blood splatters inside the patrol car and on Wilson’s uniform and firearm.
Nonetheless, immediately following the shooting, protests broke out in an around Ferguson. While most remained peaceful, many became violent and resulted in rioting, vandalism and looting. Local businesses are still feeling the effects of the violent protests and say that business is nearly non-existent due to widespread fear of further violence erupting in the area.
Businesses in and around Ferguson have braced for the grand jury’s decision, some even boarding up windows and doors in anticipation of repeated rioting, and gun sales have skyrocketed as business owners and residents alike fear that the decision could bring further violence.
However, while awaiting the results of the grand jury, Michael Brown, Sr. urged residents to remain peaceful no matter what the decision.
“Hurting others or destroying property is not the answer,” Michael Brown, Sr. said.
The teen’s father called for “positive change, change that makes the St. Louis region better for everyone.”
The post No decision on Darren Wilson indictment (VIDEO) appeared first on Guns.com.