Former Greensboro Police Officer Matthew Hamilton was charged with manslaughter on June 6 for fatally shooting Joseph Lopez on Nov. 19, 2021.
Hamilton’s attorney, Amiel Rossabi, has now filed a “Motion to Dismiss, Or, In the Alternative, Motion for New Grand Jury Presentment.”
Hamilton was indicted by the grand jury on June 6. The case had been scheduled to be heard by the grand jury on May16 but was withdrawn.
The motion states, “For some reason that is not fully clear at this time, District Attorney Crump decided to withdraw the bill of indictment against Officer Hamilton from the May 16, 2022 Grand Jury docket. Upon information and belief, some of the reasons for District Attorney Crump withdrawing the bill of indictment were communications to her from the GPD [Greensboro Police Department] that (a) the presentment was inappropriate, politically motivated and would negatively affect the morale of the officers in the GPD; and (b) if the presentment was to be made, Officer Hamilton wished to present evidence to the Grand Jury.”
The motion notes that Hamilton was not notified by the district attorney’s office that his case was being presented to the grand jury on June 6 and that if Hamilton had been notified he would have exercised his statutory rights to apply to present witnesses to testify on his behalf.
The motion states, “In addition to the District Attorney surreptitiously and without notice presenting Officer Hamilton to the Grand Jury on June 6, 2022, an Assistant District Attorney, Kelly Thompson, has been inappropriately commenting about this case.”
According to the motion, Thompson’s statements were “false, inflammatory and biased for many reasons.”
The motion states that the State Bureau of Investigation report did not conclude that there were violations of the law and states, “If there were any violations of the law, upon information and belief, such violations would have been made known to Chief Brian James in March of 2022. No such communication was ever made to Chief Brian James.”
The motion lists James as a possible witness for Hamilton if Hamilton had been allowed to present witnesses at the grand jury hearing, along with other officers who were present on Nov. 19, 2021, when the shooting took place.
Politically motivated. What ever happened to “due process”. Guilty until proven innocent?? Sounds like Crump and the railroaders did a fine job of violating a public servants rights. What a shame this veteran officer and his family have to go through this parade of injustice. In the end, probably a year from now we will be reading that this case is thrown out, he will be offered his job back (hope he declines) and goes somewhere where he would be supported, and gets back pay for being terminated without cause.
Amen!
“Due Process”? That’s funny! We are not a nation of laws. We are a nation of political will.
I just read ‘Motion to Dismiss’ which stated crime happened November 2022… then it has not happened yet. Love your articles but someone needs to proof better.
Nope, no politics, no personal agenda here.
Just EXTREMELY EGREGIOUS ACTIONS by an Assistant District Attorney who, like Officer Hamilton, is sworn to uphold the law.
Any wonder we can’t hire more “Peace Officers “?
Kelly Thompson ,, enough said.
Come on council grow some gonads and show support for our officers. SUPPORT OUR POLICE
The Grand Jury MUST be presented the evidence available, but it seems the rush to get re-elected via an indictment requires that Grand Jury should NOT hear facts that destroys the DA’s agenda.
This leaves me with more questions than answers.
Why would the DA, Mayor, and Interim Police Chief withhold key evidence/ facts from the Grand Jury?
Why would the DA hold the Grand Jury hearing without informing Hamilton and his attorney?
How do multiple activists and attorneys (some – out of state) schedule a press conference the SAME DAY the Gand Jury results were released when EVEN Hamilton’s attorney didn’t know?
Is this because Officer Hamilton doesn’t represent the politically profitable part of society?
Mr. Lopez’s ex partner called 911 for the 2nd time in less than a week because he was back and fixing his way into the house for the 2nd time.
What would have happened to the woman if Lopez was left at the property?
@GTart, we know what would have happened but whatever the outcome would be there is no doubt the final conclusion would be the same. “It’s the Police’s fault for not doing this or that!” In my opinion, the lack of respect for Law Enforcement is causing TOO many problems, violence and high crime rates.
Ditto!!
The current City Council members are not friends of the police, and neither is the City Manager. Too bad since it is the residents who are the losers. This tells the residents of Greensboro all you need to know. To help change along, vote for write-in candidate Chris Meadows.
On information and belief, Charles Watts, Jr (Chuck), the City Attorney does not live in Greensboro as required by his contract. Chuck Watts reports to City Council and advises the Council on legal matters. If he does not support the City by living in Greensboro and paying property tax, how is he in position to give advice to Council. He has no skin in the game other than receiving a large salary paid by residents of the City.
Where is City Council and the City Manager with enforcing the terms of a contract that was agreed to and signed by them?