The grand jury’s decision on whether charges for excessive force will be brought against Officer Darren Wilson has been delayed.
St. Louis County Circuit Judge Carolyn Whittington extended the usual four-month period for which the panel sits, which expired last week. Now the grand jury has an additional 60 days to make a decision, until January 7.
The grand jury consists of 12 people who meet in secret, usually weekly, where they hear evidence of whether criminal charges are warranted. A total of nine votes is needed to send Wilson to public trial for the killing of unarmed teen Mike Brown on August 9.
St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Robert P. McCulloch can bypass a grand jury and take a case to trial by filing a complaint that goes first to a preliminary hearing. In the public proceeding, a judge decides if there should be a trial.
According to the autopsy, Wilson shot Brown six times, including twice to the head, with some of the bullets entering and exiting several times, including one that left at least five different wounds.
Wilson was not immediately identified, but once he was, police revealed that he had been allowed to leave town. He is currently on paid leave.