Jurors say Mpls. officers not liable in Crawford death

It took jurors around two hours to determine that two Minneapolis police officers were not liable for the wrongful death of DelShawn Crawford.

Joshua Newville, one of the attorneys representing the 40-year-old Crawford's surviving family members, would not speculate as to why the jury made such a quick decision. He said his firm and his clients both respect the system and said they are happy they got their day in court.

Newville said jurors understand officers have a tough job and are willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

The attorney for Crawford's family added officers Chad Meyer and Laurarose Turner are good cops. Newville said both officers had been awarded by the department for their work. But, he said, "Sometimes good cops make bad decisions."

Crawford was shot in May 2012 after officers Meyer and Turner responded to a call of a domestic disturbance. Police say Crawford lunged at them with a knife before they opened fire. But Crawford's girlfriend and others inside the apartment say Crawford put the knife down before he encountered the police officers.

The officers, both department veterans, were cleared by a grand jury, but Crawford's family sought damages in the millions of dollars.

Newville said he was most concerned about how the investigation into the shooting was handled. He said Minneapolis shouldn't have its officers investigate their colleagues when they cause the death of citizens.

"This investigation was not done in a manner that helped either side," said Newville.

Minneapolis City Attorney Susan Segal was present during the closing arguments, and commented later that "it's a deeply sad event whenever a life is lost. And we appreciate the jury's deliberation in this case."

Editor's note (Jan. 23, 2016): The updated version of this story clarifies statements made by Joshua Newville.