March 13--A defense attorney cautioned Tuesday against a rush to judgment as a Baltimore police officer is investigated for his conduct following a 13-year-old girl's fatal shooting.
It's been more than a week since Officer John A. Ward was suspended by the agency after charges were filed against two juveniles for accidentally shooting Monae Turnage. Her body was found under trash bags in an East Baltimore backyard on March 4.
Attorney Christie Needleman, who confirmed she is representing Ward, said there are "two sides to every story" but declined to comment further as the investigation continues.
"It's not the appropriate time for [Ward] to tell his story," Needleman said. "I can simply say we're cooperating fully with the investigation and will continue to do so."
On Monday, Ward had a formal suspension hearing and remains on administrative duties with pay. The rifle suspected of being used to shoot Monae was found in Ward's personal vehicle, law enforcement sources have said, and he is in a relationship with a relative of one of the boys charged in the killing.
While Ward's suspension came swiftly, there have been no public developments in the case as the investigation continues for a second week. Ward, who has not been charged with any crime, has not commented publicly since the incident.
Needleman said that Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake's comments about the case last week were inappropriate. Rawlings-Blake told reporters that she was "disgusted" by news of an officer's possible involvement in the aftermath.
"She was a defense attorney," Needleman said, referring to Rawlings-Blake's career with the public defender's office. "For her to say she's disgusted without prefacing it by saying 'if these allegations turn out to be true' -- it's indicative of a rush to judgment."
Sources with knowledge of the investigation say detectives are focused on forensic evidence, such as DNA. Such evidence could help investigators determine who handled the rifle found in his vehicle.
On Monday, Police Commissioner Frederick H. Bealefeld III made his first public comments on the case, telling The Baltimore Sun's media partner WJZ-TV that commanders are getting regular updates.
"We will promise and avow there will be justice done and that we will dot every 'i' and cross every 't' to make sure that when we act in this case, we are going to be ready to ensure that justice is done," Bealefeld said.
Ward is a four-year veteran of the agency and was assigned to the Eastern District, patrolling areas including the Darley Park neighborhood where Monae was shot. In addition to the criminal probe, officials have also been reviewing Ward's disciplinary record.
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