Check out the full article here. [Source: www.independentmail.com]

Jamie Fleming

John C. Barnette, an North Carolina-based activist who has been to rallies supporting Blackwell, says it will be a sign of black unity. He said it will also illustrate the Black community’s outrage at the decision not to press charges against Hartwell police officers.

“We’re disappointed that there want be any charges against these officers,” Barnett said in the Independent Mail. He, and others, believe there should be another investigation.

Attorney Victor Long, Blackwell’s lawyer, has been in contact with the president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Long asked him to prepare a letter that is to be included in a request to U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder.

The purpose of the letter is to ask for a federal investigation to determine if the incident occuring on Feb. 16  involved any violations of Blackwell’s civil rights.

Long intends to file a lawsuit in federal court in Athens, GA on behalf of Blackwell under section 1983 of the federal civil rights code which handles the lack of civil rights.

Hartwell also plans to incorporate a new chapter of the SCLC. Hakim Primus, national director of the SCLC and that the organization is proud to stand with Blackwell.

“We stand determined to see justice done for Jimmy Lee Blackwell against police brutality in Hartwell and against police brutality anywhere,” Primus said.

Source: Independent Mail [Blackwell supporters to request federal investigation].

Jamie Fleming

However, a hearing will be held soon in Hart County Magistrate Court. The hearing will decide if the police officers had enough reason to arrest Blackwell.

Read the full article here

Jamie Fleming

According to the Hartwell Sun, the lawsuit states Hartwell police officers, headed by Officer Robert Mitchell, “savagely” beat Blackwell  in the face and head during an ilegal arrest.

It also states that the officers struck Blackwell unconscious when he told the officers he didn’t have any ID on him when asked for it. Additionally it says that the EMS workers stopped at a store for more than 15 minutes while taking Blackwell to the hospital.

Victor Long, Blackwell’s attorney, said the city of Hartwell has 30 days to respond to the ante liteum notice given to them (meaning the city has been informed of Long’s intention to sue).

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is still investigating the incident. They are now trying to finish the first phases of it, which includes evaluating information available from the scene and interviewing those involved.

Fullington also stated that he has obtained indication that alcohol may have been involved, and they are waiting for findings of a toxology report, which could take several weeks. When the information is found out, the GBI will give all the information to Hart County’s districy atorney.

“We are conducting an independent investigation and trying to remain as neutral as possible,” Fullington said.

Source: The Hartwell Sun

Jamie Fleming

Read the whole story: http://www.wyff4.com/news/18742572/detail.html

I will post more information as more is available.

Jamie Fleming