The Mecklenburg District Attorney has recused himself from the case against the police officer who shot and killed Jonathan Ferrell, citing a conflict of interest
Andrew Murray has asked that the N.C. Attorney General’s Office take over the case because he used to work for the firm that represents Officer Randall Kerrick. Kerrick was charged with manslaughter earlier this week after fatally shooting an unarmed Jonathan Ferrell 10 times.
George Laughrun and Michael Greene represent Kerrick. They were partners in the firm when Murray worked there.
In a statement, Murray’s office said the case doesn’t present an obvious conflict of interest, and ethical rules don’t require the District Attorney’s Office to withdraw from the case, but “avoiding even the appearance of impropriety is essential to maintaining the public’s trust.”
“In cases that have a substantial impact on the community, however, the elected District Attorney’s involvement in every stage of the prosecution is crucial,” the news release says.
“The nature of the case against Mr. Kerrick is such that the community will be affected by any and all decisions regarding the prosecution and final disposition of the case.
“ It would be impossible for Mr. Murray to avoid involvement in the case if prosecuted by his office.
“Further, it is critical that the family of the victim, the defendant, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department and the citizens of our community have confidence that the case is handled objectively and impartially by the State’s attorneys.”
An attorney general spokeswoman said the case will be handled by the Special Prosecutions Section, as it is “available to all district attorneys in the state when there is a conflict or when there are other issues that prevent a district attorney from handling a case.”
SOURCE: Charlotte Observer
