“The family reached this same conclusion immediately upon seeing the video of his death,” the Tuesday statement reads. “Thus they are pleased with the amended finding and remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice for Jamal.”
But the “homicide” determination doesn't mean a crime was committed in Sutherland's death, said Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson in a statement. Wilson, who has not yet indicated if she is pursuing charges, cited the National Association of Medical Examiners in saying that the term “homicide” on a death certificate is considered a neutral term that doesn't imply criminal intent.
The two deputies involved in the case, Lindsay Fickett and Brian Houle, were fired by Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano. Protestors in Charleston have called on Wilson to charge the deputies with murder or recuse herself from the case, news outlets reported.