"Eighteen Citizens of Montgomery County, who were empaneled by a Montgomery County Circuit Judge, issued an indictment today against Aaron C. Smith for the crime of Murder. I want to be clear, that the indictment issued today is not an indictment against the Montgomery Police Department or any other law enforcement agency. The Montgomery Police Department and the City of Montgomery cooperated fully with the State Bureau of Investigation and the District Attorney’s Office during the course of this investigation. The Montgomery Police Department is made up of men and women that everyday protect our community in a lawful and professional manner. They are truly the thin blue line between a peaceful community and anarchy.

A State Bureau of Investigation Agent, Magistrate, District Court Judge and now a Grand Jury have all determined probable cause that Aaron C. Smith should be charged with the crime of Murder. A jury will determine his guilt or innocence. Due to the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct I cannot and will not comment any further regarding this indictment or the investigation of this case. Furthermore, the Rules require me to remind everyone that an indictment is only an accusation and Aaron C. Smith is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a Court of Law."