DA: No Charges Filed Against Officer In Keith Scott Case
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CHARLOTTE, NC– The Mecklenburg County District Attorney announced no charges will be filed against the CMPD Officer who shot and killed Keith Scott.
UPDATE — DA Murray has released a statement via his Twitter account:
The DA’s office released a 22-page detailed report regarding the case. Read the report HERE.
Investigators say Officer Brent Vinson shot Scott outside an apartment complex in the University City area Sept. 20, prompting riots and protests.
See video of the shooting released by CMPD by clicking HERE.
More than two months later, the Scott family attorney learned first thing this morning that the officer will not be charged. They also received the State Bureau of Investigations’ findings in the case.
The Scott family released the following statement after learning that no charges were being filed in the case:
“We wish to express our thanks and gratitude to Mecklenburg County District Attorney Andrew Murray, his office and the SBI for the respect they have shown the Scott family and for their willingness to explain how they conducted their investigation and the conclusions they reached.
We are profoundly disappointed in their decision not to criminally charge Officer Brantley Vinson for his actions in taking the life of Keith Lamont Scott.
While we understand that many in the Charlotte area share our frustration and pain, we ask that everyone work together to fix the system that allowed this tragedy to happen in the first place.
All our family wanted was justice and for these members of law enforcement to understand that what they did was wrong.
We respectfully ask that you please keep any protests that may occur peaceful. Responding to violence with violence is never an appropriate response. This is just one more step in our quest for justice.”
Community organizers plan to protest outside CMPD headquarters at 6:35 Wednesday night.
CMPD Chief Kerr Putney spoke to WCCB Charlotte Tuesday night in reference to planned protests following the decision, “It’s their first amendment right, and we’re good with that as long as it’s within the boundaries of the law. ”
Mayor Jennifer Roberts did not return calls to comment.
Councilman Kenny Smith (R) District 6 was the only member who agreed to speak.
“What I would hope for the city to do is everybody to remain calm. If there is going to be some protest or outpouring of expression, hopefully will be done in a peaceful manner,” said Council Member Smith.
“People are hurt. People are angry. People are lamenting,” said Charlotte NAACP President Corine Mack. “The only way we have a voice is to come to the street and speak our voices. It feels as if the city is not listening to us.”
The family has this to say to any protesters: “We encourage people to express their feelings and to let people know how they want the situation handled, but we really strongly encourage everyone to protest peacefully and lawfully,” said Monnett.
He says the Scott family will likely file a civil suit against the city for wrongful death regardless of the DA’s decision on charges.
