A judge said Thursday that enough evidence exists to charge two White policemen in the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old Black boy who was holding a pellet gun, a largely symbolic ruling because he can't compel prosecutors to charge them. Municipal Court Judge Ronald Adrine ruled there's probable cause to charge rookie officer Timothy Loehmann with murder, involuntary manslaughter, reckless homicide or dereliction of duty in the November shooting death of Tamir Rice. And he ruled there's evidence to charge Loehmann's partner, Frank Garmback, with reckless homicide or dereliction of duty.

The judge made his ruling after activists submitted affidavits asking the court to rule there's enough evidence to charge the officers in Tamir's death, which has spurred protests and complaints about the treatment of Blacks by police. "This court reaches its conclusions consistent with the facts in evidence and the standard of proof that applies at this time," the judge wrote.