Alderman Joe Davis Sr. to John Chisholm: Make a decision NOW in Dontre Hamilton case, or resign
MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee Alderman Joe Davis Sr. is challenging Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm. Davis is asking that Chisholm either make a decision now as to whether criminal charges will be filed against Christopher Manney -- the officer who shot and killed Dontre Hamilton, or resign. Chisholm says he's still waiting for outside experts to finish their review of the Red Arrow Park shooting.
It has been more than six months since Christopher Manney shot and killed Dontre Hamilton at Red Arrow Park. Manney has been fired from the Milwaukee Police Department over his handling of Hamilton -- a termination he has appealed.
Alderman Davis Sr. says Chisholm has had more than enough time to review the incident and decide whether Manney will face criminal charges. Chisholm says he's just trying to be thorough.
Alderman Davis Sr. says last Thursday's Fire and Police Commission meeting -- attended by supporters of Dontre Hamilton and Christopher Manney was the last straw. He says the city needs to know whether Manney will face criminal charges in the case.
"I did some reflecting after the Fire and Police Commission meeting and that was a painful process for me as an elected official to see the city so divided," Alderman Davis Sr. said.
Alderman Davis Sr. issued a statement on Tuesday, November 11th -- demanding Chisholm make a decision on Manney now -- or resign.
"People elected him to do a job," Alderman Davis Sr. said.
Chisholm declined to talk with FOX6 News on camera on Tuesday -- but said by phone he's still waiting to hear back from both the FBI and an outside national expert. Once he gets those reports, Chisholm says a decision will soon follow.
"I certainly understand the desire to have a decision as quickly as possible, but I also believe that the vast majority of citizens want to make sure my decision is based on all the facts and the best evidence that`s available," Chisholm said.
Chisholm says a new state law requiring an independent review of police-involved deaths has changed his process. In the past, Chisholm says the state's Division of Criminal Investigation provided an outside review. Now, DCI is listed as the lead investigator, forcing Chisholm to find another independent consultant.
"With independence, sometimes you can`t control the timing of that and so what we`re doing is we`ve conveyed our urgency, our desire to get this information as quickly as we possibly can so we can make that decision," Chisholm said.
"It`s his call. It`s no one else`s call. He needs to make it and he needs to make it in an expeditious manner so people can have closure with this," Alderman Davis Sr. said.
Alderman Davis Sr. recently announced he's running for mayor of Milwaukee, but he insists that has nothing to do with his decision to challenge Chisholm.
Chisholm says while he's aware of Alderman Davis Sr.'s statement, it won't affect the timing of his decision.
READ IT: Alderman Joe Davis Sr. statement to District Attorney John Chisholm
CLICK HERE for complete coverage of the Dontre Hamilton case via FOX6Now.com.