Bell said when elected that he was determined “to look at cases with a fresh set of eyes, and this is a case where we feel the evidence compelled us to seek justice for Christian, and that’s what we’re gonna do.”

Also present was Christian’s mother, Theda Person, formerly known as Theda Wilson. She said she was “totally overwhelmed” by the news of the charges and feeling a mix of emotions.

“I knew that justice was on its way, but I’m in shock,” she said. “I feel supported and I’m excited. I’m a lot of different things right now because I don’t know how to be in this place, but I’m glad that I’m here.”

Defense lawyer John Rogers, who previously represented Dawan Ferguson, said he has spoken to him but has not been retained. He said he is unaware of any new evidence in the case since former prosecutor Robert McCulloch’s office declined to charge Ferguson years ago.

“I anticipate that any competent defense attorney will challenge the authority of Mr. Bell to prosecute this case at this time,” Rogers said.

Although Christian was reported missing in the city, Dawan Ferguson is being charged in St. Louis County because St. Louis prosecutors years ago said they had a conflict.