News
Family of Tamir Rice Gather Petitions Demanding Prosecutor’s Removal
By: Associated Press
Posted on:
CLEVELAND (AP) – Family members of a 12-year-old black boy who was carrying a pellet gun when he was fatally shot by a white Cleveland police officer have gathered petitions demanding the county prosecutor’s removal from the case.
Activists and family members of Tamir Rice on Monday delivered petitions they say contain thousands of signatures to Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy J. McGinty’s office. Monday marked a year since Rice’s death.
A call seeking comment was left at McGinty’s office Tuesday.
A grand jury is hearing testimony to determine whether criminal charges should be filed against the patrolman who shot Rice and his training officer.
Rice’s cousin says the petitions demand McGinty appoint a special prosecutor. Family members and others have criticized McGinty for releasing outside experts’ reports finding the officer justified in shooting.