The student who posted a racially derogatory video on social media will not face criminal prosecution.
According to a statement from the office of Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, witnesses who received the threats which included “hanging, stomping and shooting Blacks,” refused to cooperate with the prosecution of the charges.
School administrators were alerted to the video posted on social media on March 4. The 18-year-old Canton Township resident allegedly used his phone to record and post the video in which he used derogatory terms for Black people and stated that he “hated Blacks” and threatened to kill them. Parents of the suspect were called to Plymouth Canton High School by administrators and he was expelled that day. School officials notified the Canton Police Department which began an immediate investigation into the situation.
Investigators submitted a warrant package to Worthy's office on March 11 and contact was made with witnesses, according to a statement from the prosecutor's office. The witnesses refused to cooperate in the prosecution of the case. As a result, the warrant for the arrest and prosecution of the student was denied.
Worthy said the participation of the witnesses was necessary to present evidence to prosecute in the case in court.
“It is an understatement to say that the alleged statements made by the suspect are hateful and disturbing. In this case the witnesses refused to cooperate with the prosecution. Unfortunately, we could not go forward, and the case was denied. If the witnesses decide to change their minds, we certainly encourage them to contact the police,” Worthy said.
