Grand jury to decide on indictment of Houston police office

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The grand jury, investigating whether to indict a Houston police officer for a fatal shooting, is expected to reconvene this morning.

The jurors must decide whether Officer Juventino Castro broke the law when he shot and killed Jordan Baker, 26, back in January. Baker was unarmed.

At the time, HPD told Eyewitness News Castro spotted Baker outside of a northwest side strip center. Castro claimed Baker matched the description of a robbery suspect and ran when confronted that day. Investigators said Castro followed Baker down a dark alley. Baker charged the officer. HPD said Castro feared for his life so he opened fire, killing the young man.

Baker's family spoke with Eyewitness last week as the grand jury heard basic facts of the case and from Officer Castro. Baker's mother, Janet Baker, said she wants Castro to be held accountable for his actions.

"We're hoping for Officer Castro to be indicted. I know Jordan and that situation," said Janet Baker. "There are a lot of questions, a lot of doubts about the process and the system."

The grand jury expected later at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse.