Local Pastors Seek Answers From Denver DA In Zoo Death

DENVER (CBS4)- A group of local pastors wants answers from Denver's District Attorney about why charges are not being filed in the death of a man at the Denver Zoo last summer.

Alonzo Ashley died after a scuffle with police and zoo security in July. The coroner ruled his death was a homicide, but Denver DA Mitch Morrissey said no charges will be filed.

"When we saw the case and we got the finding from the coroner that it was a homicide, we just want to ask the question why the DA comes out in a matter of hours and said there will be no criminal charges," said Now Faith Church Pastor Leon Emerson.

Emerson, along with pastors from the Metro Denver Ministerial Alliance met with the city attorney on Saturday. But some of their questions went unanswered.

"At this time, we just want to know. They said it was a homicide. Homicide means somebody killed somebody," said Emerson.

RELATED STORY: Denver DA Disappointed With Homicide Declaration In Zoo Death

The pastors hope to meet with the city and District Attorney again on Wednesday.

"I don't know that there is justice for Mr. Ashley. I don't know what we could have done different," said City Attorney's Office spokeswoman Karla Pierce. "I hope we can answer their questions and their concerns."

Morrissey told CBS4 on Friday that he doesn't agree with the coroner's use of the word homicide in Ashely's death. He said the cause should have been classified as undetermined.