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Murray: Decision on charges 'not a close call'

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Mecklenburg County District Attorney Andrew Murray spent almost an hour Wednesday, explaining a pile of evidence that led to the decision to not charge Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Officer Brentley Vinson with shooting and killing Keith Scott.

CLICK HERE to read the district attorney's full report on the Keith Scott shooting

“This case impacted the city like no other case since I’ve been district attorney,” Murray told Channel 9 reporter Mark Becker in a one-on-one interview.

Murray said the decision not to charge Vinson was easily the toughest one he’s had to make as district attorney. But he said the evidence, from the video to witness statements and tests showing Scott’s DNA on the handle of his gun, was overwhelming.

“It was not a close call,” Murray said.

Not a close call, but not an easy one, either.

Murray knew that his decision could trigger the kind of unrest that took over uptown Charlotte in September.

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But, he said the evidence was clear and convincing that Vinson had reason to believe his or other lives were in danger.

“He made the determination that someone was getting ready to be shot, one of his buddies or him,” Murray said.

He said he knows that some will disagree with his decision and may take to the streets again to let him and others know they’re not satisfied with the decision.

“I was elected to do justice in this community, took an oath to do justice, me and my prosecutors,” Murray said. “I will do that every time. We will do the right thing and then the people of this community can decide if they want me back in office.”

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