MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Many of us saw the video of Memphis Police Officer Conner Schilling and Darrius Stewart tussling on the front lawn of New Direction Church in Hickory Hill.
The church’s pastor said the video was personal for him.
“We had to stand up as leaders and say that blood can’t be shed on holy ground and not cry out,” Stacey Spencer said.
Spencer said he and other pastors from around the area wrote a letter to Memphis native and U.S. attorney Ed Stanton for help.
“When the grand jury came back and did not indict we knew something was not quite right,” Stanton said.
“Our role is to stand up and fight,” said Jason Mitchell, the pastor of Perfecting Love Community Church.
A grand jury chose not to indict Memphis police officer Connor Schilling for shooting and killing Stewart July 17, 2015 during a traffic stop.
The driver was allowed to leave, but Stewart was held because he had two active warrants.
Iowa City Police charged Stewart with two counts of second-degree sexual abuse.
Police in Illinois had a warrant for Stewart for juvenile delinquency.
Schilling said Stewart, who was not handcuffed, attacked him, when he opened his patrol car door.
Police say Stewart grabbed Schilling’s handcuffs and began beating the officer with them.
They want to know why no backup officers came and why it had to end with the firing of a gun.
They’re the same questions congressman Steve Cohen had; he also asked the federal government for help.
“There’s definite reason to wonder what went on to the grand jury and what are the facts of the case,” Rep. Cohen said.
The facts are likely to come out in a lengthy document Tuesday.
While Stanton wouldn’t say why they’re just now admitting they’re involved, the man who held his job a few years before him had some idea.
“The timing of the release of the file may be a reason,” David Kustoff said.
When the file comes out, angry activists could demand action. Knowing the feds are involved may help; it already has to a man it matters to the most, Stewart’s dad.
“I feel a little better now that justice is trying to get served, I really do,” Henry Williams said.
