DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – The Dallas County District Attorney Office is now investigating the shooting death of 26-year-old Botham Jean at his apartment complex last Thursday.
Dallas police officer Amber Guyger is charged with manslaughter in the shooting after she claims to have entered Jean’s apartment instead of her own by mistake and shot him.
During a Monday morning press conference, DA Faith Johnson said the final decision on what the charges will be has not been made.
“The Texas Rangers made the decision to issue an arrest warrant for manslaughter. The ultimate decision of in terms of what this charge will be will be presented to the grand jury,” she said.
Johnson said she will present all options to the grand jury, not excluding murder.
“Faith Johnson, your Dallas County District Attorney, has taken on this case and believe me we will make certain that justice is done in this case,” she said.
A few hours before Johnson’s announcement, the Dallas County Medical Examiner ruled Jean’s death a homicide. Jean died of a gunshot wound to the chest and abdomen.
Guyger was arrested and booked into Kaufman County Jail Sunday evening. She posted $300,000 bond and was released that same night.
Jean family attorney Lee Merritt said the time between the shooting and Guyger’s arrest was unacceptable.
“That is extremely problematic for this family. That shows extreme deference,” he said.
Merrit said recent developments are encouraging but the family will continue in their fight for justice for Botham.
“We were encouraged to see the Mayor here and other representatives from the city but we are of the position that the city has to share not only in our cry for justice but share in accountability as well,” he said.
Botham Jean, a 26-year-old from St. Lucia, worked at PriceWaterhouseCoopers in Dallas after earning a bachelor’s degree from Harding University in Arkansas.
This afternoon at 1:30, there will be a flag ceremony in Jean’s honor at Dallas City Hall. The Prime Minister of his native St. Lucia will be there.
His funeral is set for Thursday.
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