Michael Baden to testify before grand jury on Michael Brown shooting

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Dr. Michael Baden, the pathologist who examined the body of Ferguson, Mo., shooting victim Michael Brown, is to testify before the grand jury investigating his death.

Anthony Gray, the lawyer representing Brown's family, said Baden is expected to testify Thursday. Baden examined Brown's body at the request of his family and concluded that none of the gunshots that hit him were fired at close range.

Supporters of Darren Wilson, the Ferguson police officer who killed the unarmed 18-year-old, say the shooting was justified because Brown attacked him with the officer's gun discharging during a struggle. The St. Louis County medical examiner concluded, in a report obtained in October by the Sgt. Louis Post-Dispatch, that Brown was struck five times by shots fired at a distance, while a wound on his thumb was caused by a bullet fired at close range.

"The grand jury will be allowed to hear an examination of the forensic evidence from a world-renowned pathologist who will either confirm or refute any other forensic testimony," Gray said.

Baden acknowledged after the medical examiner's report became public that Brown's body might have been washed before he examined it. He also said he was not able to examine the clothing Brown was wearing when he was shot.

Baden, who served as New York City's chief medical examiner in the late 1970s, has been involved in a number of high profile cases. He serves as a consultant, hosts Autopsy on HBO and is a contributing expert on Fox News.