Since the August 9, 2014 shooting of Michael Brown, Ferguson, Missouri, has remained in the public eye, serving as a battleground over racial injustice and police brutality. Last week on March 12 two police officers working in Ferguson were shot. Both survived. Jeffrey Williams, a 20 year old black man, was arrested for reasons related to the incident. Williams, while in custody, had originally taken responsibility for the shootings, but insisted he did not intentionally hit the officers.

Now this confession is under scrutiny. Currently the lawyer representing Williams, Jerry Christmas, claims that Williams was beaten at the time of his arrest and forced to confess, which police deny. Christmas also says that parts of Williams’ body are covered in bruises from the alleged attack. Christmas, to discredit Williams’ initial confession and statement, has told reporters, “Whatever statements he made, he was without the advice of counsel, and when I look at the bruising, it’s hard for me assess if these were voluntary statements that he made.”
The police were shot during a demonstration, one of the many protests held in Ferguson since the murder of Michael Brown 7 months ago. Those participating in this particular demonstration deny Williams was affiliated with them.

Williams has been charged with two counts of first degree assault and faces a potential life sentence.