The investigation did not exonerate Wilson, Bell said.
“Although this case represents one of the most significant moments in St. Louis history, the question for this office was a simple one,” Bell said. “Could we prove beyond a reasonable doubt that when Darren Wilson shot Michael Brown, he committed murder or manslaughter under Missouri law?”
“After an independent and in-depth review of the evidence, we cannot prove that it did,” Bell said.
“I also want to make it clear that our investigation does not exonerate Darren Wilson,” Bell said, noting the difference between trying a case during the trial and “clearing it of all kinds of wrongdoing.”
“There are so many points where Darren Wilson could have handled the situation differently, and if he had, Michael Brown could still be alive,” Bell said.
“But that is not the question before us. The only question is whether we can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a crime occurred,” Bell said. “The answer to that question is no. ‘ And it would violate my ethical duties if I nevertheless filed charges. “
CNN has reached out to the Brown family for comment.
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