INDIANAPOLIS — The attorneys for the family of Dreasjon Reed spoke for the first time since the grand jury decision was announced this week.
On Tuesday, a grand jury declined to indict Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Officer DeJoure Mercer who fatally shot Reed, 21, in May.
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Attorney Fatima Johnson said she is disappointed but not surprised by the grand jury's decision. She says she is beyond disgusted that Reed's family was denied justice and the flaws in the criminal justice system need to be brought to the surface.
"Dreasjon's family is heartbroken," Johnson said. "The fight will continue. Now it's our turn."
Johnson and attorney Swaray Conteh maintain their statement that Reed did not fire at the officer. Evidence presented by Indiana State Police says a total of 15 shots were fired in the incident: two by Reed and 13 by Mercer.
Attorneys say they are moving forward with a civil lawsuit.
"DeJoure Mercer must be held accountable for the life he took," Johnson said. "The city must answer for their role in hiring people like him. Their answer must consist of them thinking Dreasjon was nothing, his life didn't matter."
You can watch the press conference below:
