ST. LOUIS (KMOX) - No decision yet from Wesley Bell, the reform prosecutor elected in St. Louis County after the Michael Brown shooting, on whether the fatal police shooting of a black man near the Galleria shopping mall was justified.
Bell has asked the public for patience while he carries out a thorough investigation.
As Bell's Senior Policy Advisor, Michael Wolff, puts it--Bell is still waiting for the police to complete their investigation:
"It is inaccurate and premature to state that Wesley Bell has yet to make a decision. The initial investigation involving the Richmond Heights officer involved shooting has not been referred to Mr. Bell's office as of yet. As in any investigation, it is being conducted by law enforcement, in this matter, the St. Louis County Police Department. This initial investigation is ongoing and will not be referred to the St. Louis County Prosecutors Office until the St. Louis County Police Dept. completes its investigation.
"Prosecutor Bell has a very strong working relationship with St. Louis County police and has been kept fully informed of the ongoing initial investigation. It is important to allow them the time needed to conduct their investigation."
Meanwhile, the head of a statewide group of prosecutors tells KMOX how prosecutors handle such cases.
County Police say the man shot and killed Saturday by a Richmond Heights officer had pointed his gun at another officer at time.
Lohmar says prosecutors routinely try to get more evidence from other witnesses or surveillance footage to compare to what police say happened.
Saturday's shooting came after a man was seen walking through the Galleria with a pistol protruding from his belt, and the man ran from the mall, when confronted by an officer.
Bell's Senior Policy Advisor, Michael Wolff, issued a statement in rsponse to this story:
"It is inaccurate and premature to state that Wesley Bell has yet to make a decision. The initial investigation involving the Richmond Heights officer involved shooting has not been referred to Mr. Bell's office as of yet. As in any investigation, it is being conducted by law enforcement, in this matter, the St. Louis County Police Department. This initial investigation is ongoing and will not be referred to the St. Louis County Prosecutors Office until the St. Louis County Police Dept. completes its investigation.
"Prosecutor Bell has a very strong working relationship with St. Louis County police and has been kept fully informed of the ongoing initial investigation. It is important to allow them the time needed to conduct their investigation."-Michael Wolff
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