City Re-Examining Whether To Release Dashcam Video In Ronald Johnson Shooting
(CBS) -- City Hall may be laying the groundwork to release dashcam video in another controversial police shooting.
CBS 2's Derrick Blakley has the latest developments in the controversy over Ronald Johnson's death.
Just yesterday, Michael Oppenheimer, the attorney for the family of 25-year-old Ronald Johnson, blasted the city for what he calls a year-long cover-up.
"They are still seeking to hide this video," Oppenheimer said. "They are still denying justice for Ronnie and his family."
But today, the city's law department confirmed it's "re-examining" if the dashcam video of Johnson's shooting should be released, which could happen before a court hearing to force its release next week.
"My son supposed to be here," said Dorothy Holmes, Johnson's mother. "He's not supposed to be over at Mt. Hope Cemetery and this has got to stop."
Johnson's family contends the dashcam video proves Johnson did not aim a gun a police officers during a foot chase in October 2014. That's the justification Officer George Hernandez gave for firing the shots into Johnson's back that killed him. Johnson's mother and his attorney have seen the video.
"I am 100 percent certain that Ronald Johnson had nothing in his hands when he was running," Oppenheimer said.
Meantime, Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez says she's not opposed to release of that video and revealed for the first time she's investigating possible criminal charges against Officer Hernandez. That comes as a complete surprise to Johnson's attorney.
"There has been no state's attorney investigation," Oppenheimer said. "Every main witness in this case has indicated they have not been contacted at all by anyone from the state's attorney's office."
