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“Depending on where a homicide occurs it takes time for certified forensics officials to reach the scene.”

The grand jury report fully explains the length of time required to move the body and there were several good reasons. In that Brown was killed by a Ferguson officer, the rules in effect required the investigation to be conducted by another police department. It took time for the St. Louis PD to send in its investigators. The body could not be moved until the crime scene was fully measured, photographed and all evidence collected. The body could not be moved until the medical examiner came to the crime scene and collected the body.

The investigators on the scene were dealing with an unruly and hostile crowd which was often attempting to enter the crime scene and disturb the evidence. Gunshots were heard in the background. The investigators felt concern for their own safety.

Had the Ferguson officers removed the body they would have been accused of tampering with evidence. All they could do is act as human shields until the St Louis PD detectives arrived to conduct the investigation.

Once the St. Louis detectives arrived and surveyed the scene they constructed a barrier with tarps to block the body from view of the crowd. However, they followed the rules for evidence collection, crime scene management and the handling of the body scrupulously. Note there has been no lawsuit alleging evidence was tampered with or the crime scene investigation was improperly conducted.

Furthermore it is not unusual for a dead body in a shooting to be left in place for hours while the scene is being investigated. In reality removing the body quickly is a sign of disrespect for the deceased, assuming a thorough investigation is desired. A thorough, by the books, handling of the crime scene by competent and professional detectives, shows great respect for the deceased.

I have read the grand jury report. Some of these journalists and commentators should do the same before making incindiary accusations of “disrespect”.