Michael Brown's father: He's a murderer
Two days ago, the Ferguson grand jury made its decision. Yesterday, Officer Wilson spoke out in an interview about shooting Michael Brown. Now, Brown's parents are responding to all of it in a conversation with CNN Legal Analyst Sunny Hostin, along with their attorney Benjamin Crump. Here is just some of what Leslie McSpadden and Michael Brown Sr. had to say:
Michael Brown Sr. questioned Darren Wilson's testimony:
"I don't believe any of those words were exchanged at all."
Leslie McSpadden responded to the surveillance video of their son just before the shooting:
"You cannot judge him from an 18 second video. We've known him for 18 years."
Michael Brown Sr. addressed the violence in Ferguson:
"The ones looting and rioting they are doing it on their own agenda."
Leslie McSpadden defended her husband after his tirade following the grand jury's decision:
"Emotions were taking over him... He was speaking out in anger."
Michael Brown's parents say the parents of Trayvon Martin reached out to them shortly after the shooting. Michael Brown Sr. says he received advice from Martin, along with other men who lost sons telling him to "stay positive and to keep my head, keep my chin high." John Berman spoke with Trayvon Martin's father Tracy.
Ferguson community leaders show strength after destruction
Pastor Carlton Lee repeatedly called for the arrest of Officer Darren Wilson. Michael Brown's father worships there. Last night, his church was one of a dozen or so buildings that were set on fire. Pastor Lee tells Anderson that he is experiencing feelings that are similar to losing a child.
Varun Madaksira owns The Original Reds Barbecue in Ferguson. When his business burned during protests last August, he moved his grills outside and fed protesters. Sadly, Reds Barbecue suffered far more extensive damage last night. Now, Madaksira says he is not sure that he will be able to reopen. He tells Anderson that despite all of this, he is still "a firm believer in the fabric of a strong neighborhood."
How the Ferguson community is working to protect itself
Despite the looting and destruction that went on in some parts of Ferguson, the vast majority of protesters were peaceful. Even in the areas that saw some of the worst property damage, there are stories of community members standing together to protect local businesses. Sara Sidner looks at examples of peaceful protesters taking on looters in Ferguson.
Fact vs. fiction in Ferguson
Hundreds of pages of court records released after the announcement reveal just what the grand jurors heard. That includes testimony from witnesses who we heard from shortly after the shooting. Randi Kaye looks at how their accounts compare to what grand jurors heard in court.
What's next for Officer Darren Wilson?
Ferguson's Mayor says that Officer Wilson's status has not changed. He is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Anderson spoke with Wilson's attorneys Neil Bruntrager and Jim Towey. They told Anderson that the life he had before the shooting is over and Wilson now fears for his security.
Michael Brown's mother breaks down after grand jury decision
CNN's Sara Sidner reports that Michael Brown's mother broke down and ran home after hearing the grand jury's decision.
Sources: Officer Darren Wilson is in talks to resign from Ferguson police force
The Ferguson police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown is in the final stages of negotiations with city officials to resign from the police force. That's according to sources close to the talks. A grand jury could wrap up as soon as tomorrow, deciding whether Officer Darren Wilson should be indicted for the shooting. Anderson discussed the implication of these negotiations with defense attorney Mark O'Mara, who represented George Zimmerman and Paul Callan, a former prosecutor, who is now a criminal defense attorney.
Does the Ferguson grand jury have the last word when it comes to the indicting Officer Darren Wilson?
Law enforcement sources say the grand jury could reach a decision on whether to indict Officer Darren Wilson by this Friday. Missouri's Governor has already declared a state of emergency ahead of the expected protests.
Ferguson grand jury to hear key forensic evidence
Dr. Michael Baden is a former New York City medical examiner and one of the most high-profile experts in the forensics field. He was hired by Michael Brown's family to do a private autopsy after the teen was shot by Officer Darren Wilson. He is set to testify tomorrow in front of the grand jury. This comes as local authorities brace for the the response from protesters if there is no indictment against Officer Wilson. Jason Carroll takes a look at the forensic case.
Anderson discussed the evidence that we know about and the questions that remain about the case with CNN legal analysts Mark O'Mara and Sunny Hostin.
Ferguson braces for grand jury's decision
Ferguson, Missouri is waiting to hear whether the grand jury will indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown. Missouri's Governor says that state and local law enforcement are "working around the clock" to prepare for protests expected if there is no indictment. CNN legal analyst Sunny Hostin has been critical of the prosecutor in the case. Anderson discusses the grand jury proceeding with her and David Klinger, a former LAPD officer and a criminal justice professor at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.
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