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Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Thursday that his office is taking over all investigations related to the Thanksgiving night shootings at the Riverchase Galleria.
Those include the case involving 21-year-old Emantic “E.J.” Bradford, Jr. who was shot and killed by a Hoover police officer. The other case involves the shooting of 18-year-old Brian Wilson and 12-year-old Molly Davis. Both are recovering. Marshall’s office is assuming prosecution of the cases after Jefferson County D.A. Danny Carr revealed in a letter potential conflicts between himself and key members of the cases.
Marshall replied to Carr’s letter with the following:
“I have reviewed your December 11th letter regarding your prosecutorial role in the shooting death of Emantic ‘E.J.’ Bradford, Jr. Based on the information you provided in that letter and our multiple conversations on the subject—particularly your acknowledgement that ‘a fair-minded, objective observer could conclude that a conflict exists’—I have determined that the National Prosecution Standards dictate your recusal from the investigation of each of the shootings that occurred in the Riverchase Galleria on Thanksgiving night, not just E.J. Bradford’s.”
During a Thursday news conference, Marshall said “We understand decisions related to this case will be widely scrutinized. What’s important is the decision is not scrutinized because of some perceived conflict.”
Bradford was fatally shot by a uniformed Hoover police officer responding to reports of shots fired at the Riverchase Galleria Thanksgiving night. Authorities inaccurately identified Bradford as the suspected shooter.
A suspect in the shooting of the 18 and 12 year-olds, was later taken into custody in Fulton County, Georgia. His lawyer said he is not guilty.
Hoover Councilman Derrick Murphy, Mayor Frank Brocato and Police Chief Nick Derzis met with the Bradford family to apologize for identifying Bradford as the shooter and offered condolences and prayers for the family.
Since Bradford’s death protesters continue to demand the release of evidence related to the case, which remains under investigation.
