The Justice Department will review whether the two white officers who shot and killed John Crawford III in an Ohio Walmart violated his civil rights.
On Wednesday, a special grand jury decided not to indict the officers, saying they were justified in their actions when they gunned down Crawford, 22, who was holding a fake gun in the store.
The Justice Department and FBI “will conduct a thorough and independent review of the evidence and take appropriate action if the evidence indicates a prosecutable violation of federal criminal civil rights statutes,” a statement said.
For more information on Crawford’s death and the disturbing surveillance video that shows how the officers reacted, click here.
In other police brutality news, the black woman who was punched relentlessly by a California Highway Patrol officer on the side of a freeway in July has settled a lawsuit for $1.5 million.
You can watch the video of her attack below:
Officer Daniel Andrew is expected to resign.
CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow confirmed the settlement in an emailed statement Wednesday night. An attorney for Marlene Pinnock confirmed the terms, according to the AP.
The settlement came after nine hours of mediation between the CHP and Pinnock’s attorney in Los Angeles.
Pinnock’s attorney Caree Harper said they wanted to make sure the 51-year-old Pinnock could have financial stability for the rest of her life given her “unique situation.” Pinnock was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Commissioner Farrow released this statement:
“When this incident occurred, I promised that I would look into it and vowed a swift resolution. Today, we have worked constructively to reach a settlement agreement that is satisfactory to all parties involved. I am thankful to the attorneys representing both sides who worked cooperatively and diligently to resolve this civil lawsuit. The bulk of the settlement establishes a special needs trust for Ms. Pinnock to provide a mechanism for her long term care. Additionally, Officer Andrew has elected to resign.”
“I very much appreciate the trust the public has placed in our organization to address this issue and resolve it responsibly.”
For more on Pinnock’s settlement, click here.
SOURCE: Huffington Post, NBC | PHOTO CREDIT: Handout
