The Latest: Family lawyer: Attorney appointment is good step

FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. – The Latest on the case surrounding the fatal police shooting of black man during a traffic stop this month in suburban St. Paul (all times local):

12:40 p.m.

The attorney for the family of a black man killed by a Minnesota police officer says she’s pleased with a prosecutor’s decision to add an independent investigator to the team.

Glenda Hatchett represents the family of Philando Castile, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop on July 6 in suburban St. Paul. Hatchett had asked for a special prosecutor to handle the case.

On Friday, Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announced he’d keep the case but add a special prosecutor to help investigate.

Hatchett called the decision a step in the right direction. She said she listened to Choi’s reasons for keeping the case and believes his decision represents a good middle ground.

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10:20 a.m.

A Minnesota prosecutor says he won’t step aside for a special prosecutor while considering charges against police in the slaying of a black motorist, but he’s adding one to his team.

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said Friday that he was elected to uphold the law and intends to do so during the investigation into the July 6 death of Philando Castile. But he says he’ll “incorporate” a special prosecutor to enhance trust in the results.

Choi named former U.S. Department of Justice attorney Don Lewis to that role.

The 32-year-old Castile was killed by a St. Anthony police officer during a traffic stop. Video of the immediate aftermath was streamed live on Facebook by Castile’s girlfriend, who says Castile was reaching for his wallet when he was shot.

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9:15 a.m.

A Minnesota prosecutor says he’ll give an update on the investigation into the killing of a black motorist by police earlier this month in a St. Paul suburb.

Ramsey County Attorney John Choi didn’t give details, in a news release announcing a Friday morning briefing.

Philando Castile, 32, died after being shot by St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez after a traffic stop July 6.

Yanez’s attorney has said the officer was reacting to seeing a gun. Castile’s girlfriend, who streamed the aftermath of the shooting live on Facebook, said Castile was shot while reaching for his ID after telling the officer he had a gun permit and was armed.

The state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the shooting.