A grand jury will be assembled to decide whether or not charges will be filed in the wake of the Eric Garner's death in Staten Island last month. Garner, 43, died after NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo applied a chokehold—a move outlawed by the police force over 20 years ago—in an attempt to subdue him on Jul. 17. Earlier this month, the city medical examiner's officer ruled Garner's death a homicide.
According to the Staten Island Advance, Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan revealed today that he will organize a grand jury to make the decision. In a statement released by his office, Donovan explained his actions:
I have determined that it is appropriate to present evidence regarding the circumstances of [Eric Garner's] death to a Richmond County Grand Jury. Yesterday, the Court granted my application for the impaneling of an additional Grand Jury and I intend to utilize that Grand Jury sometime next month to begin presenting evidence on this matter.
All evidence will be presented to the grand jury, who will then determine if Pantaleo or any of the other officers involved will be indicted. Refusing to offer additional comments on the matter, Donovan told the Advance that a "fair, thorough and responsible" investigation will be carried out.
[via The Staten Island Advance]
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