Ohio's attorney general says veteran Hamilton County prosecutor Mark Piepmeier will lead the investigation into the police shooting of 21-year-old John Crawford III.
Mike DeWine said – at a press conference on Tuesday that Piepmeier will investigate, then present all the evidence to the special grand jury that was to convene next week. DeWine said that date has been pushed back.
"So, our original intention was to begin the special grand jury proceedings on September 3rd," DeWIne said. "Mr. Piepmeier will not be available to start the proceeding until Monday, September 22nd.”
DeWine said Piepmeier has prosecuted some of Ohio's biggest cases, including a deadly 1993 prison riot. He’s also been heavily involved in cases involving excessive police force.
The attorney general again said he would not compromise the investigation by releasing the video to the public, but he defended showing a portion of the video to the Crawford family.
“I thought the family had the right to, have the opportunity to view it." DeWine added, "The mom did not want to view it, and I fully understand that. The dad did. The dad viewed it. You know, I thought that was something we should do.”
Following last week's press conference and viewing of the video, the Crawford family stated they would let officials decide whether or not to release the video. Now, they are calling on the Ohio AG to release it to the public. They claim Crawford’s death was unjustified.
