MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - The Memphis police officer who shot and killed a 15-year-old boy will not be charged, and the teen's mother is outraged. She didn't know the Shelby County District Attorney had decided not to prosecute Officer Terrance Shaw until ABC 24's Marcus Holliday told her.
"I can't believe it - it's a hard hit, a hard hit."
Shirley Thompson, the mother of 15-year-old Justin Thompson, was visibly upset after finding out the Shelby County D.A. decided not to press charges against Memphis Police Officer Terrance Shaw.
"I don't understand why he wasn't prosecuted," she said, "I feel like he was murdered, his life taken from him."
Shaw was off -duty when he shot and killed Justin in September of last year after he claims the teen tried to rob him.
His mother maintains, "Justin didn't rob anybody. They had me waiting four months and this is what I get after four months."
The TBI finished its investigation last month and turned its findings over to the Shelby County District Attorney.
The D.A.'s office released a statement that reads:
I have reviewed the file and will not present this matter to the grand jury at this time. There is insufficient evidence to create a reasonable chance for a conviction against Mr. Shaw, particularly when considered with the foreseeable defense that could be raised under the evidence.
What that evidence is, the D.A. Isn't saying.
"You said he robbed him. You need to explain, how did my son rob him? You've never told me."
With Shaw on the streets, Thompson has concerns and questions.
"Who is he going to kill next, a 5-year-old baby? He probably would try to kill me… I have to look over my back because he is a very dangerous man, very dangerous."
As for Shaw's employment status with the Memphis Police Department, that will be determined after an administrative hearing.
