A Columbus, Ohio grand jury has just decided not to indict police officer, Bryan Mason, saying the shooting death of 13-year-old Tyre King was justified. King was gunned down by the white officer in September 2016 after his BB gun was mistaken for an actual weapon. King allegedly was with a group suspected of a $10 robbery.
"I am committed to continuing to work with all residents and the police to break the cycle of violence, build trust, and give hope." Columbus Mayor Andy Ginther said in a press release. "I am grateful for the patience of the community in awaiting the results of the grand jury investigation into the police-involved shooting of Tyre King."
The officer who fired the fatal shots has been in four police related shootings, two of which being fatal. Tyre's family demanded an independent special prosecutor on the case, but that request was denied by prosecutor Ron O'Brien.
"Increased openness and transparency is an important first step."The Columbus City Council said in a statement Friday (May 19). "That’s why, whenever possible, police investigations and grand jury proceedings must be available to the public... Anytime a child dies it is a tragic event, and this time is no different."
At the memorial held friend for Tyre Friday, according to The Dispatch, People's Justice Project organizer Tammy Fournier Al Saada said "We’re human beings, and it hurts, and it stings, and it’s wrong. I’m tired. I’m tired. But we must fight on.”
Source: complex.com
