“As in all cases, since that date of arrest, an investigation has continued and has been conducted,” Flynn said at a news conference. “There was a charge of crime and therefore it was a matter that would go to the grand jury. Let’s be clear here, okay? This was not really a complex case. “
“The video that was made speaks for itself,” added Flynn.
But the grand jury voted “not to approve” the case, which means it rejected the case, “he said. As grand jury proceedings are kept secret, Flynn said he could not reveal the witnesses who spoke to the grand jury, the evidence presented or the questions that could have led to the decision.
“I want to tell you what happened on the grand jury so that it can be explained in more detail,” he said. “But, unfortunately, I can’t.”
Anticipating criticism that he had “bagged” the case, Flynn said: “You really only have my word that I didn’t teach anything – that I put all the relevant information and evidence on that grand jury. I presented everything to the grand jury, and they made a decision. “
Kelly Zarcone, Gugino’s lawyer, did not immediately respond to emails and phone calls on Thursday. The Buffalo Police Department said police officers remained suspended pending the outcome of an internal affairs investigation.
John Evans, president of the Buffalo Police Benevolent Association, said he welcomed the result.
“We are ecstatic because the grand jury, in showing the facts, determined that no charges should be charged,” he said by email. “We thank them for their time and service!”