The bar owner who defended himself against an attack during “civil unrest” (i.e. riots) in Omaha back on May 30th has now been charged with manslaughter and other charges. Initially, the district attorney declined to pursue charges, but after public outcry took it to a grand jury, which has now levied charges.<\/p>\n
A grand jury announced its decision Tuesday in the May 30 shooting of 22-year-old James Scurlock on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine initially declined to file charges against Jake Gardner in the shooting, saying he had reviewed witness statements and video and believed the bar owner acted in self-defense. But Kleine was criticized for his decision and asked the grand jury to review the case.<\/p>\n
Special Prosecutor Frederick Franklin said Tuesday that the grand jury reviewed additional evidence that Kleine didn’t have, including texts from Gardner\u2019s phone, messages on his Facebook profile and his interactions with bystanders before coming into contact with Spurlock. He declined to provide specifics of what the new evidence shows except to say it undermines the self-defense theory.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere was significant evidence that was consistent with there being an intentional killing by Jake Gardner, and that evidence comes primarily from him,\u201d Franklin said.<\/p>\n
Gardner was also charged with attempted assault, making terroristic threats and using a gun to commit a felony.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n