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Grand Jury Will Hear Case Of Aurora Officer Who Shot Unarmed Man

GOLDEN, Colo. (CBS4) - The case of an Aurora Police officer who shot an unarmed man will be presented to the Arapahoe County Grand Jury.

Officer Paul Jerothe fired the shot that killed Naeschylus Carter Vinzant on March 6.

According to police, Vinzant, 37, was wanted for removing his ankle bracelet while on parole. Police also said he was suspected in a March 2 kidnapping, assault, domestic violence and robbery. But he was also unarmed.

"We have to do as much as possible to engender trust in our process and to make sure that there is confidence in the ultimate decisions that are made," said Jefferson County District Attorney Peter Weir.

The shooting happened while officers were attempting to take Vinzant into custody about 1:15 p.m. at the intersection of East 12th Avenue and Memphis Street on March 6. Vinzant was taken to the hospital where he later died.

Arapahoe County's district attorney asked Jefferson County to review the Vinzant investigation, once Aurora police completed their internal investigation, due to a potential conflict of interest.

Jerothe's attorney Marc Colin told CBS4 in a statement, "Not surprised that the DA went this direction given the circumstances. We welcome the opportunity to participate in the Grand Jury process. This is a result of the combination of the facts and current climate. It's simply an investigation process."

Naeschylus Vinzant Paul Jerothe
Naeschylus Vinzant, left, Officer Paul Jerothe, right (credit: Aurora Police)

LINK: Joint News Release From Aurora Police And Family Of Naeschylus Carter

"The family is hopeful that the grand jury will be a truth-seeking body, that the Jefferson County DA will also allow the grand jury to seek justice," said Vinzant family attorney Siddhartha Rathod.

Aurora Police Chief Nick Metz said they have met numerous times with the Vinzant fmaily and together are asking for patience from the community.

"The family has made it very clear to us in our communications that they want to see a peaceful resolution to this. They don't want to see what's happening in other parts of the country and we wanted to make sure that we have an opportunity to echo that sentiment as well. Let's let this take its course," said Metz.

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