The Latest: Family of musician killed by officer ‘hopeful’

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Latest on the decision to let a grand jury decide whether to charge a police officer for the shooting of a legally armed black musician (all times local):

9 a.m.

The father and siblings of a legally armed black musician who was fatally shot by a police officer while waiting for a tow truck say they are hopeful that a grand jury will indict the since-fired officer.

Clinton Jones Sr., the father of Corey Jones, told a news conference Thursday that the grand jury will bring charges against Palm Beach Gardens officer Nouman Raja. Melissa Jones, the dead man’s sister, said that after meeting Wednesday with Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg and his staff the family now feels they have the “passion” to press the case to the grand jury.

Raja’s attorney, Richard Lubin, has said he and his client look forward to the grand jury process.

Jones had left a gig before dawn Oct. 18 when his SUV broke down. He was standing nearby when Raja stopped in an unmarked car. Raja was on-duty but not in uniform.

Jones had a concealed weapons permit. He and Raja pulled their guns and Raja shot Jones.

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6 a.m.

Relatives of a legally armed black musician who was fatally shot by a police officer while waiting for a tow truck say they’re “leery” of a Florida prosecutor’s decision to present the case to a grand jury.

The family of Corey Jones issued a statement Wednesday, saying that while they’re glad Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg didn’t clear since-fired Palm Beach Gardens officer Nouman Raja, their “hearts are heavy.” Aronberg could have charged Raja.

Raja’s attorney Richard Lubin said he and his client look forward to the grand jury process.

Jones had left a gig before dawn Oct. 18 when his SUV broke down. He was standing nearby when Raja stopped in an unmarked car. Raja was on-duty but not in uniform.

Jones had a concealed weapons permit. He and Raja pulled their guns and Raja shot Jones.