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Crawford Family Reacts To Grand Jury Decision Not To Indict

John Crawford Jr. and family attorneys at a 2014 press conference.
Jerry Kenney

The family of a man killed by police inside a Beavercreek Walmart are reacting to the news that a grand jury chose not to indict two police officers in the August 5 shooting. Following the announcement Wednesday from a special prosecutor, the federal Department of Justice announced it will conduct its own investigation into the death of John Crawford III.

At a press conference Thursday morning, the deceased man's father, John Crawford II, told reporters his son was "like any 22-year-old, still trying to figure out his next step." He also described him as a family man who left behind two children, and says justice will be served only when the officers who shot him are convicted. He also reacted to viewing surveillance video from the Walmart that night.

“My son was murdered,” Crawford said.  “After I saw the video, there’s every indication of that. It is what it is.  In the situation, and the circumstances surrounding the situation, he had no chance, no chance.”

Despite the grand jury's decision to not indict the officers, the special prosecutor who presented evidence in the case says 22-year-old John Crawford III did nothing wrong. 

“If he did nothing wrong,” Crawford asked, “If he committed no crime, why is he not here with us?”

Crawford family attorney Michael Wright says they’ll wait to hear from federal investigators before considering any civil lawsuits.

“I mean there is still lots of information that we don’t have. We don’t have the investigatory file from the Bureau—from BCI, so we’re still gathering information,” he said.

Wright reiterated they’ll continue to seek justice for not only John Crawford but Angela Williams, who died of a heart condition after hearing the shots inside the Walmart. Crawford was fatally shot by police after a 9-1-1 caller reported a man with a rifle threatening other customers. Store video shows Crawford aiming a bb-gun at the ground while talking on a cell phone, as police moved in.

Jerry began volunteering at WYSO in 1991 and hosting Sunday night's Alpha Rhythms in 1992. He joined the YSO staff in 2007 as Morning Edition Host, then All Things Considered. He's hosted Sunday morning's WYSO Weekend since 2008 and produced several radio dramas and specials . In 2009 Jerry received the Best Feature award from Public Radio News Directors Inc., and was named the 2023 winner of the Ohio Associated Press Media Editors Best Anchor/News Host award. His current, heart-felt projects include the occasional series Bulletin Board Diaries, which focuses on local, old-school advertisers and small business owners. He has also returned as the co-host Alpha Rhythms.
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