A Pennsylvania District Attorney has spoken out against a jury's decision to acquit a former white police officer of homicide, after he shot and killed an unarmed black teenager as he fled from a traffic stop.
In a press conference on Friday night, DA Stephen Zappala Jr. said he believes the jury were wrong in letting Michael Rosfeld walk from the Allegheny County Courthouse free from any charges.
But Zappala said he also understands it's everyday citizens who ultimately decide guilt in criminal cases, and 'they have spoken'.
'I have always believed that the criminal justice system belongs to the people and the best example of that is when 12 men and women sit in a room and deliberate how best to pass judgement onto one of their peers,' Zappala said
'While I respectfully disagree with their verdict, it is the people of this commonwealth who decide guilty or not guilty and they have spoken in this matter.'
He added, that in the interests of justice, he'll continue to bring about charges against Rosfeld, where charges are deemed appropriate.
DA Stephen Zappala Jr. (above) said he disagreed with the jury's decision to acquit Rosfeld, but said he respects the decision
Former East Pittsburgh Police Officer Michael Rosfeld (left on March 12) was charged with homicide for shooting Antwon Rose II (right) during a traffic stop last June. He was acquitted Friday
Supporters of Antwon Rose II, stand on the steps of Allegheny County Courthouse after hearing the verdict of not guilty on all charges for Michael Rosfeld
Supporters of Antwon hug as they leave the courthouse. The protester in gray above read aloud a poem Rose had written two years earlier. Part of it said: 'I am not what you think. I am confused and afraid. I wonder what path I will take.
Supporters of Antwon hug as they leave the courthouse. The protester in gray above read aloud a poem Rose had written two years earlier. Part of it said: 'I am not what you think. I am confused and afraid. I wonder what path I will take.
Michelle Kenney, the mother of Antwon Rose II, leaves the Allegheny County Courthouse with supporters after hearing the verdict of not guilty on all charges for Rosfeld
The Jury deliberated for less than four hours on March 22, before clearing ex-East Pittsburgh police officer Rosfeld of homicide in the shooting of Antwon Rose II, in 2018.
'I hope that man never sleeps at night,' Rose's mother, Michelle Kenney, said of Rosfeld, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 'I hope he gets as much sleep as I do, which is none.'
The verdict leaves Rose's family to pursue the federal civil rights lawsuit they filed last August against Rosfeld and East Pittsburgh, a small municipality about 10 miles from downtown Pittsburgh.
Rose was riding in an unlicensed taxi that had been involved in a drive-by shooting when Rosfeld pulled the car over and shot the 17-year-old in the back, arm and side of the face as he ran away.
A prosecution witness said that after the shooting, he heard Rosfeld say repeatedly, 'I don't know why I shot him. I don't know why I fired.'
Rosfeld's lawyer referred to his client as 'a good man', adding that he feared for his life in the moments leading up to the shooting and had to make a split-second decision.
Rosfeld's wife burst out sobbing as the verdict was announced. She and Rosfeld were hustled out of the courtroom by deputies. Antwon's supporters are seen above
The crowd started chanting 'it is our duty to fight for our freedom' outside the court house
A prosecution witness said that after the shooting, he heard Rosfeld say repeatedly, 'I don't know why I shot him. I don't know why I fired.' Supporters of Antwon gather outside the courthouse
Rose's family remained stoic after the verdict was delivered. His sister Kyra Jamison had tears streaming down her face and her mother Kenney urged her not to cry.
Kenney said she was upset but unsurprised by the
