Michael Zwelling, The Examiner
2006-04-15 09:00:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

Alexandria -

Alexandria police have completed their investigation into the shooting death of 18-year-old Aaron Brown, and now the case rests in the hands of Commonwealth Attorney Randolph Sengel.

But a decision from his office is not likely for at least three months, if not longer, said Sengel.

“My review of this case will include re-interviewing witnesses, additional forensic consultation and follow-up investigation,” Sengel said in a written statement. “For these reasons, it is unlikely that I will reach a decision about the future course of this case for at least 60 to 90 days.”

The investigation concerns the actions of an off-duty Alexandria police officer who was working as a security guard at a pancake restaurant in February.

Officer Carl Stowe said a group of teenagers who left the restaurant without paying their bill drove their Jeep Cherokee toward him and he shot in self-defense. Brown, a passenger in the vehicle, was killed.

Others in the Jeep, including the driver, have disputed Stowe’s characterization of the shooting.

Stowe’s attorney, James Lay, said a lengthy investigation is beneficial to his client.

“A long and thorough investigation can only help my client,” Lay said. “We believe a full investigation of the facts surrounding this event will reveal my client followed applicable law.”

The attorney representing the family, however, is concerned about the manner in which the case is being investigated.

Attorney Patrick Malone said he was assured the investigation would be “transparent.” In keeping with that spirit, he said, he has asked several times that the vehicle, as well as all other forensic tests, be made available for verification by the Brown family.

“In the seven weeks since this shooting, our many requests to look at this evidence have been rebuffed,” Malone said. “Inspection by us of the evidence and release to the public of the investigative file would do nothing to harm the civil rights of the officer and would go along way toward reassuring everyone that the investigation is being conducted in a fair and independent way.”

mzwelling@dcexaminer.com