Social media influencers and criminal justice advocates are pushing for charges against a white Ohio man who allegedly shot a 13-year Black boy multiple times and walked free, even though he was legally prohibited from carrying a gun.
Reports show that Krieg Butler, 36, was initially charged with murder for the Oct. 12 killing at the Wedgewood Apartments in Columbus, Ohio, but prosecutors asked to drop the charges days later, citing “standard procedure.”
However, many on social media are calling for Butler to be charged, with some launching #JusticeForSinzaeReed and rallying for others to call the Franklin County prosecutor’s office to pressure it to move on the case.
Atlanta Black Star contacted the prosecutor’s office on Thursday and was sent an Oct. 27 statement initially issued after Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Mike McAllister accepted its motion, filed on Oct. 17, and dismissed the case.
“The Municipal Court does not have jurisdiction to hear felony cases except for a limited period of time. It is standard practice for almost every felony case filed in Municipal Court to be dismissed,” the statement said.
The prosecutor’s office said, however, that the case is still “under review for possible presentation” to a grand jury, “and unfortunately, I cannot advise you when the case will be presented.”
Columbus police homicide Det. Keith O’Connor told The Columbus Dispatch that “there has been a claim of self-defense” by Butler and his mother but did not provide additional details.
Sinzae, affectionately known as Zay, according to his obituary, “loved listening to music and playing video games.” His favorite TV shows were “Snowfall” and “Power,” and he liked hanging out with his friends. Sinzae attended Kipp Columbus and had been doing online classes at the time of his death.
