Autopsy reveals Michael Brown was shot SIX times in the front of the body by police officer Darren Wilson

[sinkspur]

I have little doubt that every effort will be made to clear this officer.  He will say he was in fear for his life and will provide evidence to support that (scuffle in the car, Brown advancing on him).  The prosecution (if there is one) will say he should have waited for back-up, should not have chased Brown.  But, in most of these cases, the cop is given the benefit of the doubt unless there is something obvious about the cop's behavior.

In practical matters, Wilson will never be able to work in Ferguson again.  He will either resign or be fired and that may, in itself, resolve the matter. 

[MACVSOG68]

I have little doubt that every effort will be made to clear this officer.  He will say he was in fear for his life and will provide evidence to support that (scuffle in the car, Brown advancing on him).  The prosecution (if there is one) will say he should have waited for back-up, should not have chased Brown.  But, in most of these cases, the cop is given the benefit of the doubt unless there is something obvious about the cop's behavior.

In practical matters, Wilson will never be able to work in Ferguson again.  He will either resign or be fired and that may, in itself, resolve the matter.

But shouldn't the burden of proof be on the prosecution, not Wilson?  If in fact, his story is possible, shouldn't that be taken into consideration in determining if the potential charges are legitimate beyond a reasonable doubt? 

[Right_in_Virginia]

I agree but if Brown was moving quickly to the left, Wilson's center shot pattern might well have been on Brown's right side.  We probably should wait for all the evidence to determine the causes.

Both are good points.

[Atomic Cow]

We probably should wait for all the evidence to determine the causes.

To many people have their agenda which does not want the truth to come out.  Either they want to keep stoking the fires of racism, or they have an anti-police agenda.

[sinkspur]

But shouldn't the burden of proof be on the prosecution, not Wilson?  If in fact, his story is possible, shouldn't that be taken into consideration in determining if the potential charges are legitimate beyond a reasonable doubt?

Yes.  And he gets an extra ticky-mark because he's a cop.

[Fishrrman]

sinkspur wrote above:
[[ In practical matters, Wilson will never be able to work in Ferguson again.  He will either resign or be fired and that may, in itself, resolve the matter. ]]

If they're going to force him into a trial, the worst thing he could do would be to resign before the outcome of the trial (and any subsequent appeals).

If there is a trial, and if he is exonerated of wrongdoing, then he should ask for reinstatement. If the town doesn't want him back (it probably won't), then it will up to the town government to either "buy him out" with some kind of settlement or negotiate a resignation....

[sinkspur]

sinkspur wrote above:
[[ In practical matters, Wilson will never be able to work in Ferguson again.  He will either resign or be fired and that may, in itself, resolve the matter. ]]

If they're going to force him into a trial, the worst thing he could do would be to resign before the outcome of the trial (and any subsequent appeals).

If there is a trial, and if he is exonerated of wrongdoing, then he should ask for reinstatement. If the town doesn't want him back (it probably won't), then it will up to the town government to either "buy him out" with some kind of settlement or negotiate a resignation....

"Buy him out"?  Missouri is a right-to-work state.  Anybody can be fired for any reason.  Oh, I forgot, Wilson might be in a police union.

He could still work in Ferguson, but his life wouldn't be worth a plug nickel there.

I think one of the things that may work against Wilson is why did he pursue Brown?  Even if he ran away, it's not like a 300 lb, 6'4" black man is going to be hard to find.