JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — A stunning decision has been made by a Mississippi grand jury regarding an intense case involving an unarmed 11-year-old boy. The grand jury decided not to indict a police officer, Sgt. Greg Capers, who shot and wounded the young boy as he responded to a call on May 20.
The shooting of Aderrien Murry in the chest resulted in a collapsed lung, lacerated liver, and fractured ribs, after which the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office took the case to a Sunflower County grand jury. The announcement of their decision has sparked a strong reaction from the family’s attorney, Carlos Moore, who stated that they will now seek accountability through a federal civil lawsuit.
In response to the decision, Michael Carr, Capers’ attorney, remarked that his client has suffered personally and financially due to the case and was relieved at the grand jury’s decision. The city of Indianola voted to place Capers on unpaid administrative leave, potentially signaling a shift in his career moving forward.
As the details of that fateful May evening continue to unfold, the Murry family has filed a federal lawsuit against Indianola, the police chief, and Capers, citing excessive force, and seeking at least $5 million in damages. With the grand jury’s decision, the Attorney General’s Office has stated that no further criminal action at the state level will be taken against Capers.