EASTON, Pa. (AP) - A Pennsylvania prosecutor is ordering a grand jury investigation into last month’s fatal shooting by state police troopers.
Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said in Thursday’s announcement that the death of 47-year-old Anthony Ardo needs to be investigated independently.
Morganelli has been sharply critical of state police for refusing to relinquish its investigation to his office.
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A few days after the May 20 shooting, Morganelli authorized a detective to begin gathering evidence on the shooting.
State police were called the Lower Mount Bethel home for a man threatening suicide. Police say Ardo was trying to light the fuse of an explosive device around his neck that turned out to be a firework.
Troopers say Ardo ignored their commands and attempted to light the fuse near troopers. Troopers then shot him.
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