GRAND JURY SHOULD DECIDE AYERS CASE

Mountain Judicial Circuit District Attorney Brian Rickman has done
what many of us should do when faced with a difficult issue.

Instead of falling prey to pride, vanity and an individual's innate
urge to go it alone as many of us do in everyday life, Rickman has
sought - and received - help from two other district attorneys in
pouring through the Georgia Bureau of Investigation's report into the
officer-involved shooting death of the Rev. Jonathan Ayers Sept. 1.

It's always good to have at least one more perspective when difficult
choices must be made.

In this case, Rickman will have two different perspectives - one from
a sitting district attorney and the other from a district attorney
emeritus, emeritus being the code word for someone who has a lot of
experience in the district attorney game.

Despite reports from some broadcast media outlets, Rickman has not
removed himself from the case.

He remains the top law enforcement official in charge of the matter
and will make the ultimate decision on whether to present the case to
a grand jury.

Although Rickman is a member of the authoritative board (along with
the sheriffs from Rabun, Habersham and Stephens counties) that governs
the Narcotics Criminal Investigation and Suppression (NCIS) team
involved in the shooting, he has proceeded thus far in the
investigation with an objective, professional manner and shows no sign
of favoritism or attempts to whitewash the incident as some want to
believe.

He has been in contact with the Ayers family to seek their wishes in
the matter which is certainly a priority for the chief law enforcement
officer.

They expect, and should receive, nothing less than the best from the
district attorney's office.

Three sets of eyes, three heads, three perspectives on the
investigation is a good way to get the best outcome possible.

Rickman has been open with the media - at least with us here at The
Toccoa Record - and shared what he could about the investigation
without divulging vital details that may jeopardize any future
proceedings.

While Rickman has not openly called for grand jury involvement, the
belief in many circles is that he's leaning toward presenting the case
to the grand jury currently in session.

That's what should be done in this case.

Let a jury of 24 Stephens County residents hear the GBI's findings,
deliberate with care and discernment, and ultimately decide how to
proceed.

So far the district attorney has done nothing to shake our confidence
in the judicial system and we are even more confident that 24
sound-thinking Stephens County residents, when presented with all the
facts, will come to the proper decision.