AKRON, Ohio — A week after a grand jury was seated in the case, we're now waiting for their decision on whether or not any of the eight police officers involved in the shooting death of Jayland Walker will face criminal charges.
Ahead of the decision, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan released the following statement to 3News' Isabel Lawrence on Monday morning:
As we prepare for whatever is to come from the grand jury as they make decisions in the officer involved shooting of Jayland Walker, we remain committed to listening to our residents and making space for their voices and concerns, while also prioritizing everyone's safety. At the beginning of this process, I asked our community to have patience with the investigation and we are now getting very close to some answers. I have an overwhelming amount of faith in the Akron community and I know we will lean into our partnerships and relationships through the uncertainty of the days ahead.
Some businesses in the downtown area have boarded up their windows in preparation for the grand jury's decision.
It has now been nearly 10 months since Walker was shot and killed in late June as eight Akron police officers fired dozens of rounds amid an overnight chase. Police say Walker had fired a shot at one point during a vehicle pursuit, but was unarmed at the time officers opened fire when the chase continued on foot. A gun was later found in Walker's vehicle, according to police.
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Editor's note: Video in the player above was originally published in a previous story on April 14, 2023.