A grand jury is expected to be seated early next week to determine if charges will be filed against eight officers involved in the shooting death of Jayland Walker. In anticipation of that, the city has relaunched a website that will provide residents with information about a variety of topics, including mental health resources, road closures and news releases.
CLICK HERE to visit the website.
Specifically, the website will have the following resources available:
- Grand Jury Explanation and Information
- Mental Health Resources
- Information on Upcoming Demonstration Zone
- Real-Time Road Closure Information
- Press Conference(s) and Releases
- Critical, Real-Time Downtown Safety Updates
- Social Media Links
- Akron Police Department Transparency Hub
During a Facebook live event on Friday afternoon, Akron City Prosecutor Craig Morgan explained the grand jury process.
"A grand jury represents the beginning of the process and truly represents the formalization of felony-level charges," Morgan said. "The purpose of the grand jury is to determine whether sufficient probably cause exists to charge a person or persons with a particular offense or offenses."
The Attorney General's Office will present the case. Morgan, who is not part of the investigation, expects there will be a lot of evidence for the grand jury to consider.
"It's going to be testimonial. Witnesses will testify— various forms of electronic evidence such as video, body-worn cameras, images, and even audio. It could be forensic evidence and even forensic experts may testify as well."
The city said it will continue to update the website over time.
RELATED: City leaders, Akron residents brace for next steps in Jayland Walker case
"The City of Akron has been preparing for the grand jury results since last summer," said Chief Communications Officer Stephanie Marsh. "The most important part of our preparation has been building relationships with our community members and establishing better lines of communication. Over the last few weeks, we’ve attended dozens of community meetings to help explain the grand jury process with residents, business owners, local leaders, and beyond. We are committed at every step of the way to transparently provide critical safety information and resources to our residents and this website will be a helpful tool in that regard."
CLICK HERE to read continuing coverage on Jayland Walker.
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