Update: Local reaction to Ferguson decision

Posted by:  KLKN Newsroom
8@klkntv.com

A Missouri grand jury has decided not to indict Police Officer Darren Wilson for the August 9th shooting of unarmed Ferguson teenager Michael Brown.

The grand jurors ruled that “no probable cause exists” to indict Wilson on any of the five possible charges that they were asked to consider. St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert McCulloch said that the jury was presented with five indictments ranging from murder in the first degree to involuntary manslaughter.The prosecutor repeatedly stressed the physical evidence that the 12 jurors considered, saying that it “tells the accurate and tragic story of what happened.”

Our cameras were at UNL’s Multicultural Center as the decision came down. Nearly two dozen people were anxiously watching the television, waiting to see what would happen. When the prosecutor announced there would be no indictment, the room fell completely silent. 

“I immediately wanted to cry,” Nicholas Banks said. “And I’m sure I will by the time the night is over. For two reasons, not just because we don’t feel justice is being served, but because a young man lost his life.”

Many said they knew all along the decision would go this way.

“A teenager is dead,” Aaron Sanders said. “Six-to-eight shots, that seems so extreme. Justice wasn’t served.”

Others, like Letura Idigima say they fear for their family and future children, even here in Nebraska.

“One side can’t solve this problem alone,” Idigima said. “We need help from the government, help from the police so we can talk it out. We don’t want to have to deal with race and police brutality all the time.”

Within minutes, dozens took to the Channel 8 Eyewitness News Facebook Page, many voicing opinions from the other side.

“If you are listening, they are providing the facts,” Kali Slocum wrote. “Self defense. I pray for everyone in the St. Louis area.”

“A brave bunch of people took on a huge chore and made a decision,” Denise Welch wrote. “Glad it was them and not me.”

“What’s sad is it has to be a black vs. white issue,” Madonna Clark writes. “Justice was served. Just because you don’t agree, doesn’t make it a race issue.”