MILWAUKEE -- The attorney for the family of 31-year-old Dontre Hamilton, who was shot and killed by a former Milwaukee police officer in Red Arrow Park in April of 2014 says the family is frustrated a federal review of the case by the United States Department of Justice is taking so long.
The United States Department of Justice announced on December 22nd, 2014 that it would begin a federal review of this case to determine if, under federal civil rights law, there is a basis, both legal and factual, upon which a federal civil rights prosecution may be premised.
The review was set to be conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and the Civil Rights Division.
The announcement regarding the federal review of this case came after the Milwaukee County District Attorney announced his decision, based on his review of the relevant facts and the applicable state law, not to initiate criminal charges against Milwaukee Police Officer Christopher Manney in connection with the death of Dontre Hamilton.
Jonathan Safran, the attorney for the Hamilton family, issued this statement to FOX6 News on Monday, July 13th, 2015:
After Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm decided Manney would not be criminally charged in this case, a Fire and Police Commission panel decided to uphold Manney’s firing from MPD, and ruled that his use of force in this case violated policy.
Manney has appealed the FPC panel's decision.
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