Background of prosecutor in Ferguson case has some questioning probe's credibility

St. Louis County prosecutor Bob McCulloch Tom Gannam / AP

FERGUSON, Mo. - The Missouri prosecutor overseeing an investigation into the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Michael Brown has deep family roots among police: his father, mother, brother, uncle and cousin all worked for St. Louis' police department, and his father was killed while responding to a call involving a black suspect.

The connections now are being cited by some local residents and black leaders who question whether St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Bob McCulloch can remain impartial. Brown, who was black, was fatally shot in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson on Aug. 9 by local police officer Darren Wilson, who is white.

Grand jurors may begin hearing the case Wednesday, though it could be weeks before they decide whether to indict Wilson on state criminal charges. The U.S. Justice Department is conducting a separate civil rights investigation, which could also result in charges.

President Obama said Monday that he is dispatching Attorney General Eric Holder to Ferguson to meet with FBI agents and Justice Department personnel conducting the federal criminal investigation into the shooting.

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Although a private autopsy done for the family of Michael Brown revealed that the 18-year-old was shot six times, the pathologist who performed t...

A private autopsy, commissioned by Brown's family, was conducted Sunday. But CBS correspondent Bob Orr reported that it is not likely to be considered by prosecutors. Dr. Michael Bade, the pathologist who did the autopsy said he did not find gunpowder on Brown's body, which suggest the shooting was not at close range, but he couldn't be sure because Brown's clothes were unavailable.

He also did not see X-rays taken that would show exact bullet wound locations on the body. However, an autopsy done by St. Louis County will be used by prosecutors. But because of wide public distrust, the Justice Department will conduct a third autopsy on Brown.

McCulloch's spokesman, Ed Magee, said Monday that the prosecutor plans to remain in charge of the case, despite mounting pressure to step aside amid violent clashes between police and protesters demanding that Wilson be charged.

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Background of prosecutor in Ferguson case has some questioning probe's credibility