This photo taken on May 24, 2023 shows flowers and toys placed to mourn for victims of a school mass shooting at the former Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, the United States.Photo:Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua via Getty

Texas Prosecutor Convenes Grand Jury to Investigate Uvalde School Shooting

Wu Xiaoling/Xinhua via Getty

A grand jury has been convened to investigate the Robb Elementary School mass shooting that left21 people deadon May 24, 2022, in Uvalde, Texas, according to multiple reports.

Uvalde County District Attorney Christina Mitchell told theSan Antonio Express-Newsthat a grand jury was convened to review the evidence and weigh in on possible charges related to the deaths of 19 children and two teachers at the school.

Of the about 300 people summoned to appear in the 38th Judicial District Court, only 67 appeared, according to theUvalde Leader-News.Of those who appeared, 12 were selected to serve on the jury, which is expected to last at least six months, according to the outlet. According to theTexas Tribune, jurors will meet approximately twice a month to hear witness testimony.

View of the area near Robb Elementary School.Google Maps

Texas Prosecutor Convenes Grand Jury to Investigate Uvalde School Shooting

Google Maps

While the focus of the grand jury cannot be disclosed per thestate code of criminal procedure, Mitchell told theUvalde Leader-Newsthat she has “been committed to protect the integrity ofthe Texas Rangers investigationand to present the investigation to a Uvalde County Grand Jury.”

“My office continues to methodically and systematically dissect the Texas Rangers investigation of which I have possessed for less than a year. I want to ensure that our efforts in this process are careful, deliberate, and fair. I am continuously mindful of my responsibility to the victims, their families, to those under a cloud of accusation, and to our community,” her statement added. PEOPLE has reached out to the District Attorney’s office for comment.

Reports of a grand jury come a day after the United States Department of Justicereleased a critical incident reviewanalyzing law enforcement’s response to the tragedy over the past 20 months.

“The victims and survivors of the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School deserved better,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in apress releasestatement.

Law enforcement stand watch near a memorial dedicated to the 19 children and two adults murdered on May 24, 2022 during the mass shooting at Robb Elementary School on May 24, 2023 in Uvalde, Texas.Brandon Bell/Getty

Texas Prosecutor Convenes Grand Jury to Investigate Uvalde School Shooting

Brandon Bell/Getty

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source: people.com