The Brooklyn district attorney intends to present evidence in the death of Akai Gurley to a grand jury, authorities say. Gurley, 28, was shot and killed by rookie NYPD officer Peter Liang inside of a stairwell last month.
According to the Associated Press, District Attorney Ken Thompson stressed the importance of "[getting] to the bottom of what happened," while announcing yesterday that a grand jury will be assembled. Thompson promised a "full and fair investigation."
Liang and his partner were in the midst of conducting a "vertical patrol" inside of East New York's Pink Houses on Nov. 20 when the unarmed Gurley entered the stairwell. Liang reportedly discharged his service weapon accidentally, striking Gurley once in the chest.
Yesterday, it was reported that Gurley Liang texted his union rep before calling 911. Gurley's death was ruled a homicide by the city medical examiner, and an Internal Affairs investigation is being conducted by the police department.
[via Associated Press]
