South Bend community groups have been asking for an independent review after a white police officer shot and killed 53-year-old Eric Logan. A special prosecutor has now been requested to review the case.
St. Joseph County Prosecutor Ken Cotter filed paperwork asking for the appointment of a special prosecutor. Circuit Court Judge John Broden has granted that request, but has not yet assigned a prosecutor.
In his filing Cotter wrote he wished “to avoid any appearance of impropriety, conflict of interest, or influence” on the decisions made.
Mayor Pete Buttigieg said in a statement he respects and supports Cotter’s request and that it’s vital that the case be “fair, thorough, and impartial.” He also addressed this during a chaotic town hall Sunday evening.
“Those investigations have to be impartial and just and transparent,” Buttigieg says. “I will do nothing to prejudice them. I will say that we will deal with the findings when they come.”
A spokesperson for the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council says the judge can pick from their list of senior prosecutors or select any county prosecutor or special deputy to lead the investigation.
