Judge: Dash cam video in Ferrell case not to be released

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Mecklenburg County judge ordered Thursday that controversial video of a police shooting will not be released publicly.

The video from a police dash camera has become the focus of controversy in the voluntary manslaughter case against Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officer Randall Kerrick. The family of Jonathan Ferrell, who was shot by Kerrick, has pushed for the video to be released publicly.

Police said Ferrell had wrecked his car and was knocking on the door of a nearby home asking for help.

The homeowner called 911 saying she thought it might be an intruder.

When police arrived, they say Ferrell came toward three officers.

Kerrick, fired repeatedly, hitting Ferrell 10 times.

The special prosecutor appointed by the North Carolina attorney general told a judge he was concerned the city of Charlotte was about to release the video. James Coman said doing so would jeopardize Kerrick's chances at a fair trial.

Kerrick's attorney, George Laughrun, agreed and said, "We don't need people going around here saying we're going to release A, B and C because the minute that happens it's a feeding frenzy."

City Manager Ron Carlee declined comment on whether he was prepared to order the release of the video. Police Chief Rodney Monroe said he was aware of no plans to make the video public.

Judge Richard Boner ruled that the video is not a public record and ordered that it not be released before the criminal case against Kerrick is resolved.

Eyewitness News will be in the courtroom and will have the very latest starting 5 p.m. Thursday.

WSOC