PRESS RELEASE
You’ve now probably heard of the story of Eric Garner, a New York City man killed by police during an arrest for selling “loose” cigarettes on the street. This week a grand jury chose not to indict the police officer who killed Garner using a chokehold. The lack of indictment comes down on the heels of the lack of an indictment in the death of Michael Brown.
“The odd part, for better or worse, about grand juries is that they are entirely conducted by the prosecutor, there are no judges, no defense attorneys, and only the prosecutor decides which evidence to present. Moreover, oftentimes, these officers know the prosecutors from previous cases they have helped prosecute,” Attorney Sam Edmunds explained.
In the very difficult to watch video that can be seen here, multiple police officers tackle Garner. Garner says repeatedly he cannot breathe and sounds panicked but the officers do not let up.
Attorney Kevin Sieben added, “Daniel Pantaleo and Darren Wilson (the Officers involved in the Eric Garner and Michael Brown deaths) might not be guilty of anything, but the criminal justice system must protect everyone equally. Everyone should go through the same process as everyone else, no matter your race or the job you hold.”
FOR FURTHER MEDIA INQUIRY CONTACT KEVIN SIEBEN AT 651-994-6744
