Ferguson grand jury reaches decision, authorities prepare for the worst

FERGUSON, Mo. — The St. Louis County grand jury has come to a decision in the case of police officer Darren Wilson and the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. But prosecutor Robert McCulloch will not announce the details until 8 p.m. Central Time, according to reports.

Brown's death has been a catalyst for almost continuous demonstrations since Aug. 9.

Jurors had to decide if Wilson had probable cause to believe that the teen had committed a crime when he first shot him. Charges could range from involuntary manslaughter to first degree murder, ABC news reported.

Recent news concerning the case has led some to believe that the jury will rule in Wilson's favor. The police officer reportedly does not expect to be indicted, and Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has declared a state of emergency and called on the National Guard, possibly in anticipation of violent protests after the ruling is announced. One hundred FBI agents have been sent to Ferguson to keep the peace after Wilson's case is announced as well.

Brown's family has asked for a four-and-a-half minute moment of silence tonight before and protests — it is a recognition of the nearly four and a half hours Brown's body was left on the ground after his death. The Browns and President Barack Obama have called for peace no matter the outcome.

"Using any event as an excuse for violence is contrary to the rule of law and contrary to who we are," President Obama said in an interview that aired Sunday.