Bell grand jury convenes

Critics say it has taken too long to get to this point. Others are already worried that the list of witnesses expected to testify will drag the proceedings on longer than necessary. However, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown has said from the beginning and maintains that he will take as long as necessary to ensure the investigation is carried out properly.
Nearly two months after five police officers fired 50 shots that killed 23-year-old Sean Bell outside a Jamaica club the night before his wedding day, a Queens grand jury began hearing testimony on Monday, January 22 about whether or not to file criminal charges against any of the officers involved in the shooting.
“We don’t want a slap on the wrist,” said Jason Powell, a close friend who grew up and went to high school with Bell. “I don’t believe in and the family does not believe in the death penalty, but we want 25 to life.”
The 23-member grand jury began hearing testimony from experts on Monday, and dozens of witnesses are expected to testify, meaning it could take weeks or even months to render a decision on whether to indict.
However, Powell said that the community would be patient as long as justice is done.
“I don’t believe it should be rushed, because we don’t want them to rush into something and miss something [important to the case],” he said.
It is not clear whether all five officers who fired shots that night, which also seriously injured Bell’s friends Joseph Guzman and Trent Benefield will testify, but published reports indicated that at least one officer indicated he planned on testifying.
Meanwhile, Powell organized a prayer service that took place on Tuesday night, January 23 in Jamaica with a candlelight ceremony and gospel music to commemorate Bell’s life. He also said there would be readings from Psalm 23 to commemorate Bell’s age when he was killed.
“Even though his death is tragic, we expect God to prevail in this hour,” Powell said.