Hennepin Co. Atty receives Ricky Cobb II case, says some state patrol workers aren't cooperating with BCA
MINNEAPOLIS — Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty says her office is working "diligently to get this right" after receiving the case in the state trooper shooting of Ricky Cobb II.
On Tuesday, Moriarty announced that the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension submitted to her office the findings of its investigation into the fatal shooting. Moriarty said she met with Cobb II's family on Monday to update them and to "recommit to a fair decision-making process."
Cobb II was shot and killed by a Minnesota State Trooper during a traffic stop in July. The 33-year-old was pulled over on Interstate 94 in Minneapolis for not having his rear lights, and it's believed Trooper Ryan Londregan was the one who fired his gun. Officials released video footage of the incident in August.
Moriarty says the BCA informed her that there are state patrol employees who have "thus far refused to cooperate" with the BCA's investigation.
"These are individuals who are not the subject of the investigation but may have relevant information. We are disappointed by this lack of cooperation as the family, the community, and the troopers involved in this incident all deserve answers," Moriarty said.
RELATED: Family of Ricky Cobb II speak out on his fatal police shooting
Family members say that all the available video shows that at no point was Cobb II seen holding a firearm. Investigators have said that one was located in the back of the vehicle following the shooting, but it's not clear to whom it belonged. The family says they plan to file a civil lawsuit.
"I hear the community calls for an immediate charging decision, but I also know that rushing can lead to mistakes. Thank you for your patience as we work diligently to get this right," Moriarty said.
Attorneys on behalf of Cobb's family released a statement expressing their disappointment in the patrol officers' refusal to cooperate.
"We remain hopeful that this investigation will lead to a semblance of justice not only for the family of Ricky Cobb II, but for all the people of Minnesota," the statement read. "To Trooper Londregan to all those who have enabled and sheltered him by refusing to cooperate and tell the truth, the old ways of silence and turning a blind eye are over. Accountability is coming no matter how hard you try to hide."
MORE: Ricky Cobb II's family meets with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz
Moriarty says her office has already identified a use-of-force expert to conduct an independent review.
Read the county attorney's full statement below:
"We thank the BCA for their hard work and we will begin our own thorough review of the case immediately.
"We have learned from the BCA that there are state patrol employees who have thus far refused to cooperate with the BCA's investigation. These are individuals who are not the subject of the investigation but may have relevant information. We are disappointed by this lack of cooperation as the family, the community, and the troopers involved in this incident all deserve answers. For our part, I am committed to ensuring that our office utilizes all resources available to us to conduct a complete and thorough review, and reaches a decision as quickly as possible.
"We have already identified a use-of-force expert – the type of expert who examines evidence in nearly every case where an officer uses force. Their independent review is a critical part of our process. We selected this expert even before we received the completed investigation so that we could move forward with our work immediately upon receipt of the file. To ensure a fair and just process, we cannot disclose any further information at this time.
"I hear the community calls for an immediate charging decision, but I also know that rushing can lead to mistakes. Thank you for your patience as we work diligently to get this right." - Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty
The Minnesota Police Association released the following statement following Moriarty's announcement:
"It is unconscionabe that a county attorney, who is responsible for a potential charging decision in a criminal matter, make any comment involving a case before the decision has been made. As a former prosecutor, it's clear her comments run contrary to due process rights. Prosecutors are the ministers of justice, and these statements unethically tip the balance."
NOTE: Video is from Aug. 18, 2023