AKRON, Ohio — After a week of reviewing evidence, the grand jury decided on Monday that the eight Akron officers involved in the death of Jayland Walker were justified in their use of force.
Attorney General Dave Yost said the grand jury also decided there would be no criminal charges at the state level, but that doesn't mean civil action won't be taken in the future.
"Legal justification does not change the terrible, permanent damage of Jayland Walker's death," Yost said. "I grieve the loss of this promising young life, although I recognize that no words of mine can offer much comfort to his family."
The grand jury had been hearing evidence since last week on the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Walker, who was shot more than 40 times last year.
Walker led police on a chase, during which officers claim he fired a shot at them. He eventually drove into a parking lot, left his still-moving vehicle wearing a ski mask and ran. He was fired at after he turned and officers said his actions were threatening. A total of 94 shots were fired by officers.
The shooting has been under investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and then was put into the hands of the grand jury. There were nine people on the grand jury, as well as alternates. Seven of the jurors must agree on probable cause if someone is to be charged.
Senior Assistant Attorney General Anthony Pierson explained parts of the evidence that were presented, which included more than 100 recorded interviews, six search warrants and subpoenas, dash camera footage and more. The full investigation is now available on Yost's website.
Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-OH 13, said the trust between the community and police trust has been "violated and must be rebuilt."
“We’ve seen it too many times. A routine traffic stop ends in death, and a family and community mourn the loss of a son. A brother. A friend. A neighbor. As this country and community reckons with another tragic death, we find ourselves yearning for a justice system that protects us all," Sykes said in a statement. “The safety and security of our neighborhoods requires trust between the community and the law enforcement officers who have taken an oath to protect and serve, but this trust has been violated and must be rebuilt. As such, I will formally request the Department of Justice to begin an investigation into the patterns and practices of the Akron Police Department to start the process of understanding how the department operates and look to create solutions for more community-focused policing that serves the needs of every segment of our community."
Since the grand jury began to meet, businesses in downtown Akron have been boarding up windows, preparing for possible protests. Last week, the City of Akron cut public access to City Hall and the Harold K. Stubbs Building until further notice.
Akron’s mayor and police chief urged residents later on Monday to protest peacefully, acknowledging that many are angry with the shooting last June that Walker’s family has called brutal and senseless.
“Turn toward one other and not on each other,” said Mayor Dan Horrigan.
Responding with tears and frustration at a subsequent press conference also Monday evening, the Walker family and their supporters mourned the grand jury’s decision and called on Akron residents to protest loudly for justice and change. Sykes said she will ask the U.S. Justice Department to investigate “the patterns and practices of the Akron Police Department.”
“I still can’t comprehend how a young man has 46 bullet holes from officers and that is justified,” Sykes said while also urging people to honor Walker’s memory by protesting peacefully. “I ask you to remember the words of Jayland’s family by speaking up. But do so without violence.”
The family and the NAACP previously have called on the Justice Department to open a federal civil rights investigation.
Bobby DiCello, an attorney for Walker’s family, criticized the state’s investigation, saying police gunned down Walker execution-style. Paige White, another attorney for the family, said the investigation was skewed in favor of the police and that “Jayland didn’t have a chance.”
“Akron Police Department, when you call for peace, when you call for no destruction, when you call for respect — where was your respect for Jayland?” White said.
Attorneys for the eight officers released a statement calling the incident a tragedy for the entire community, including Walker’s family and all of the officers who were involved.
“A split-second decision to use lethal force is one that every police officer hopes he or she will never be forced to make,” the statement said.
Akron Public Schools also announced they are closed on Tuesday.
"As a follow-up to last week's communication, we are putting plans in place to help ensure the safety of our scholars and staff as we anticipate a decision from the Jayland Walker grand jury," APS said in a statement.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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