By Brandie Piper
ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Dr. Michael Baden has finished his testimony before the grand jury determining if charges should be filed against Ferguson Officer Darren Wilson.
He arrived at the St. Louis County Justice Center around 9 a.m. before a news conference was held by attorneys representing 18-year-old Michael Brown’s family.
Attorney Anthony Gray said Brown’s family wants to align themselves with Gov. Jay Nixon’s speech on Tuesday, asking for supporters to refrain from violence when the grand jury announcement is made.
“We want to make it very clear, that on behalf of the Brown family, we do not condone any acts of rioting, looting, or violence, and that we want to encourage all of those who support the Justice for Michael Brown to remain vigilant, yet peaceful, calm, and dignified as we await and after we receive the announcement of the grand jury decision,” said Gray.
Gray also asked for police to use “reasonable restraints” with demonstrators.
“Regardless of the decision of the grand jury, this will be a defining moment in the history of the state of Missouri,” said attorney Benjamin Crump.
Crump also said he and others believe “there is evidence that shows Michael Brown had his hands up.” He was asked if there’s any doubt, and Crump responded, “there’s no doubt about that.”
He also said Baden found an additional entry wound on Brown’s chest.
“The only thing that Dr. Baden had wished to express to Michael Brown’s parents, in that his preliminary autopsy he was not able to determine if the shots to the chest were re-entry wounds or entry wounds. He was able to confirm along with some of the materials from the medical examiner’s office. There was an additional entry wound into his chest. It was not a re-entry wound,” said Crump.
Baden performed one of three autopsies on Brown after he was shot and killed by Wilson Aug. 9. He was hired by Brown’s family to conduct an independent autopsy.
When Baden finished his three-hour testimony he was asked for comment while leaving the justice center.
“I can’t say anything,” said Baden.
In his report made public in August, Baden said Brown was shot at least six times and found no signs of a struggle.
St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch said in previous interviews with NewsChannel 5 he will not comment on who testifies before the grand jury, and called so-called leaks speculation.
Contributing: Ryan Dean.
Brandie Piper 