Grand Jury Won’t Indict Cop Who Shot Car Crash Victim 10 Times

On September 14, former Florida A&M football player Jonathan Ferrell crashed his car into a tree. A nearby homeowner, fearing Ferrell's attempts to seek help as signs of a break-in, called the police. When the Charlott-Mecklenburg cops arrived, Officer Randall Kerrick shot Ferrell 10 times, killing him. A Mecklenburg County, N.C. grand jury declined on Wednesday to indict Kerrick on voluntary manslaughter charges. The grand jurors asked for a lesser charge on Wednesday, which means the case will be resubmitted to a full grand jury. Raw Story reports: “In the interest of justice, we will resubmit this case to the grand jury scheduled to meet Monday, January 27, to seek an indictment for voluntary manslaughter, the most appropriate charge given the facts in the case”, said Attorney General Roy Cooper. Ferrell’s family said in a statement they were pleased the case would be resubmitted, but with reservations. “While we are pleased that the Attorney General is going to resubmit the charges against Randall Kerrick to a new Grand Jury on Monday, we are skeptical given their inability to secure an indictment yesterday,” the statement said. “Jonathan Ferrell was a quality human being who worked hard and cared for those around him. He deserved better.” … “This is one of the most despicable decisions I have ever seen made by human beings,” said Kojo Nantambu, president of the Charlotte branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. According to a police spokesperson, Kerrick has been suspended without pay until the case is resolved.