ST. LOUIS (AP) – The St. Louis region is on edge in anticipation of an announcement from the grand jury that is weighing whether to charge police officer Darren Wilson in the killing of 18-year-old Michael Brown. The August shooting led to weeks of protests, some of them violent, and many people fear renewed violence after the decision, particularly if the panel does not issue an indictment. Some key things to know about the situation:
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DECISION DRAWS NEAR
The grand jury has been meeting since August, reviewing evidence and listening to testimony related to the Aug. 9 confrontation that began when the Wilson told Brown and a friend to stop walking in the middle of the street. St. Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch said the panel’s final decision would come in November. A McCulloch spokesman did not return messages Thursday seeking information on whether the jury has finished hearing testimony.
Authorities have said the officer and Brown struggled inside the officer’s police SUV, and their confrontation spilled back onto the street, where the shooting happened. According to media reports, Wilson told the grand jury he feared for his life as Brown, who was 6-foot-4 and weighed nearly 300 pounds, came at him. But several witnesses have said Brown was surrendering and had his hands up.