After further investigation, no charges in Huerta case
DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Durham County prosecutor's office said Friday that the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation has finished looking into an anonymous tip in the Jesus Huerta case, and there will be no charges filed.
While investigators say Huerta was searched after he was arrested Nov. 19 on a second-degree trespassing charge, they say he apparently had a .45 caliber pistol hidden somewhere on his person that the arresting officer did not find.
As the teen was being taken to police headquarters, a shot rang out from the back of the police car, and the teen was found dead of a gunshot wound to the head. Investigators have called the death a suicide, and the Durham County District Attorney said in January that he did not find probable cause to file any criminal charges in the case.
Huerta's family has pressed for more, and questioned why a friend arrested with Huerta said neither of them was armed.
After meeting with the family attorney and the SBI, prosecutors said in January that the SBI would look into an anonymous tip about the case.
Durham District Attorney Leon Stanback said Friday that the source of the anonymous letter was found and interviewed. He said the person admitted he "reported rumor and conjecture without a factual basis."
Stanback said he remains satisfied there is no probable cause to file charges.
The controversial case has led to multiple protests in Durham that have ended with violence and arrests.
Alex Charns, attorney and spokesperson for the Huerta family, said Friday the family would not comment on Stanback's decision.
