Featured photo by Jameca Patrick-Singleton
Written By Jameca Patrick-Singleton
Seven years after the initial criminal investigations into the Flint Water Crisis, no one will be convicted. After unsuccessful filings in the Michigan State Court of Appeals, the criminal cases have officially come to an end. Prosecutors in the case will have no choice but to end their pursuit against former Governor Rick Snyder and others.
“I wish this dismissal would represent the end of political persecutions in Michigan forever,” Snyder said in a statement.
Flint residents are not happy with the news that no one will be held criminally responsible.
“It’s like a slap in the face” said Flint resident Kisha Williams.
Williams added: “Somebody’s grandma, uncle, aunt died”
She was referring to the no less than 12 deaths reportedly associated with the contaminated water.
Pamela Foss also expressed her disappointment in the court’s decision.
“It’s like we are dispensable,” Foss stated. “They poisoned us. Some people got sick, my skin is still messed up with dry patches. I feel sorry for the babies. They suffered a lot. But in the end, no one is going to ever be held accountable. They messed us up, and they get to continue on with their lives.”
In December 2022, the court initially dismissed the cases due to the use of a one-person jury process, which the court found to be unconstitutional.
It’s the upholding of this decision that has resulted in the final dismissals.
