I did see the released photos after I had posted, yes, and I though I am no expert on Missouri State Law, perhaps this is a felony now. Though it seems that US law is getting so over the top that sneezing too loud may get you arrested these days. Not to take from this situation here. My point is this - robbery with no weapon, possible altercation with police with no weapon, very very very stupid to gun him down. Very stupid. And I'm afraid that I'm not the only one you are going to find out there that would agree with this.
It does now appear that this young guy was a bit unsavory, but I'd almost bet money that details will continue to emerge from the Ferguson police that are less than savory. Just five years ago the Ferguson police arrested a black man, threw him in a cell, beat him, and then charged him for bleeding on their uniforms. It's on the Huffington Post today. Thank God the African American victim sued in civil court is all I can say - and victim is way too weak of a word for what this man endured at the hands of the Ferguson Police. Based on their past actions, I'm thinking they are less than savory, too. So who does one side with? Based on my life experiences, I'm going to side with the deceased (so far) due to the fact that he had no weapon, though it now appears he was less than innocent, I'll give you that. YMMV and I realize not all will agree with me. Rob
PS I do agree with you, based on the emerging evidence, that Brown's friend is not the most reliable of witnesses. Granted. I also believe that due to past actions, such as the above mentioned total behavior as if the law didn't apply to them in 2009 in the above referenced situation, that the Ferguson police are less then reliable witnesses, too. It may be that large settlements may need to be doled out if only to keep the calm and keep similar from spreading through the US.
We have had discussions on this board regarding social class before and the one thing I can share with you'all that are better set than me - beware of how much the lower classes hate/fear/distrust the police. This Ferguson situation could take place in many other places, too, it just doesn't have to be the US Midwest. Rob