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Grand jury declines to indict Fort Worth officer in Taser death
03:14 PM CST on Monday, November 16, 2009
4/19: Police probe Taser death
4/20: A family's outrage
8/28: Family seeks justice
9/27: Death ruled homicide
10/16: Officer will not be disciplined
MORE: Tarrant County news
FORT WORTH — A Tarrant County grand jury has declined to indict the Fort Worth police officer who fatally shocked a mentally ill man with a Taser earlier this year.
The county medical examiner earlier ruled that the April 18 death of Michael Patrick Jacobs Jr. was a homicide.
Jacobs, 24, was shocked twice by Officer Stephanie Phillips after officers said he became combative during a disturbance.
"We are very disheartened with the decision of the grand jury," said Rev. Kyev Tatum, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Fort Worth Tarrant County Chapter in a written statement.
Tatum said the SCLC will ask the U.S. attorney to file federal charges in a case that he said "is no different than what the police did to the African-American community in times past."
"The police department appreciates the grand jury's thoughtful deliberation and impartial decision in regards to this case," said Fort Worth Police Department Chief Jeff Halstead in a written statement. "We continue to lift up the Jacobs family in prayer during this difficult time for them."
Halstead said Phillips will remain on duty as a Fort Worth police officer and will face no disciplinary action.
"This case is considered closed," Halstead said.
There have been several protests against the use of Tasers since Jacobs' death, but the department said officers will continue to use the weapon when necessary.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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