Mar 12, 2007 6:24 am US/Pacific
Sean Bell Grand Jury Deciding Officers' Fate
NEW YORK (AP) ―
On Monday, a grand jury will begin deliberating the fate of the five police officer involved in the shooting of Sean Bell. The final testimony came last week from the detective who fired 31 of the 50 shots that November morning.
After answering questions for two and a half hours, Detective Michael Oliver left the grand jury proceedings without a word.
On Friday, the 35-year old NYPD detective who fired 31 of the 50 shots testified that he opened fire after undercover Detective Gescard Isnora started shooting, when he alleges groom-to-be Sean Bell drove into him.
The undercover officer thought Bell's friend, Joseph Guzman was armed and about to shoot someone. Bell was unarmed and coming from his own bachelor party and no gun was ever found.
All five of the officers who fired the 50 shots testified before the grand jury.
Earlier, Bell's companions, Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield also testified in the case.
Sources say the police department has already started gearing up for how the community might respond if the officers are not prosecuted.
A decision in the case could come any day this week.
