Grand Jury To Consider Murder Charge On Farmers Branch Officer Who Shot, Killed Pickup Theft Suspect
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - The Farmers Branch police officer who shot and killed a pickup truck theft suspect who was pulling out of a Dallas parking lot last week, is having his case turned over to the Dallas County Grand Jury for a murder charge.
The Dallas Police Department's Special Investigations Unit said Wednesday evening, it concluded its investigation surrounding the shooting involving the officer.
"After reviewing the evidence and speaking with witnesses, a decision has been made to refer this case to the Dallas County Grand Jury for the charge of murder," Dallas Police said in a news release.
The Farmers Branch Police Department said due to threats against the officer, his name is not being released at this time.
In a statement the department said, "We look forward to the grand jury hearing the facts of the case and will respect and act accordingly to the decision rendered. We thank the Dallas Police Department for the thorough investigation into this tragic incident... The officer has been released from the hospital and remains on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.:
Dallas Police said Farmers Branch officers were investigating a stolen vehicle report and in the 11400 block of Emerald Street in Dallas around 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 12.
The suspect, 35-year-old Juan Manuel Moreno, Jr. and the vehicle were seen in the area.
As officers were trying to arrest Moreno, police said he started to drive off.
During this time, the Farmers Branch officer shot and killed him.
Juan Moreno Jr.'s family told CBS 11, sending the case to the Grand Jury is a step in the right direction.
They say he did not deserve to die for stealing a truck.
"We don't want money. We don't nothing from him. What I want is justice done and for the cop to pay for the mistakes he did," said Juan Moreno, Sr. "Take his badge off and go to prison for his mistakes... He could have shot a tire. He could have shot the radiator. He had plenty of chances."
Moreno acknowledges his son had criminal history - including drug and theft charges - but says he was not a violent person and the fatal shooting was not justified.
RELATED STORY
Surveillance Video: Auto Theft Suspect Juan Manuel Moreno Jr. Fatally Shot By Farmers Branch Police
