While I will agree with you that the evidence is not all in yet, from early days there has been evidence in support of Wilson’s position. The BlackCanseco youtube video was up with in a few days; while people directly interacting with the guy filming tell the usual “cop just shot him for no reason” story, in the background there’s another conversation going on, where one guy who didn’t see what happened is asking another guy who did, and the guy who saw the shooting says that Brown was approaching the officer when shot. I put more faith in the version by people who didn’t realize they were being filmed than I do in the one people told the camera.
And, yes, if someone has already assaulted you, generally the law will support shooting that person if they keep approaching after you’ve told them to back off (varies some by state, but I would guess Missouri allows it). All Wilson had to show is that he reasonably feared for his life, which would not be difficult. As Mythbusters has shown, you CAN “bring a knife to a gunfight,” and win, if you’re close enough, and cops know that first hand. More people get killed in a year with someone’s bare hands than with a rifle; cops don’t buy into the whole, “unarmed equals not dangerous” thing.
The shot to Michael Brown’s head is completely consistent with someone falling through the line of fire. Wilson either ran out of bullets or was cooler than a lot of people shooting at someone; plenty of people who initially looked to be shot in the back, were actually facing the shooter to start with, it’s just that the shooter kept on shooting as they fell.
According to what’s been leaked, the shot to Michael Brown’s hand and maybe arm — one shot may have caused more than one wound, depending on his position at the time — is likely the result of the fight in the car. Various experts (the St. Louis M.E., forensic pathologist Judy Melinek) have said that the wounds are consistent with someone shot at extremely close range, which is consistent with Wilson’s claim that Brown was at times blocking him from shooting in the altercation when Brown was first shot.
In contrast, there is a video of construction workers raising their hands in disbelief after the shooting mimicking Brown’s hands were up. Again, various witness statements, statements that the cop deliberately slammed door into Brown while opening it, etc for what it’s worth.
To shoot an unarmed person depends on the assault, disparity of force, etc. Questions will be asked about de escalation what other options available against an unarmed assailant.
It’s my understanding now powder residue was found in the gunshot on Brown’s hand, meaning there was close contact and struggle in car with gun going off along with Brown’s tissue on car’s exterior. Nothing determined if he was high from marijuana.
Questions remain on bullet wounds at a downward angle, he’s either falling or on his knees, yet no abrasions on knees if one was in a charge, and at what distance? HOw many total rounds fired?
Who knows lots of speculation and this could fall either way as justifiable or not.