The grand jury reviewing the actions of three La Marque police officers involved in the arrest of a man who died in custody has had its term extended. [SOURCE]
District Attorney Kurt Sistrunk’s office and the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office took the lead in the investigation of the death of 27-year old Jamaal Valentine on May 17.
During the struggle, one of the officers shocked Valentine with a Taser.
At issue for the grand jury, which convened Aug. 30, is whether the three officers acted properly during the arrest.
After weeks of silence, Sistrunk responded directly to accusations that he has been biased in his approach to this case.
“It is hogwash, pure hogwash,” Sistrunk said. “The assertions that were initially made and continue to be made, including that this grand jury presentation is a sham and that justice is being subverted are an affront to the integrity of the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office … this office and the grand jury hearing the evidence.”Sistrunk also said the action of the grand jury in extending its term “speaks volumes about both the grand jury and what kind of presentation is being made to them, and it is nothing short of fair and just, for the Valentine family, the La Marque Police Department and the citizens of Galveston County.”
