– Black man shot holding cellphone
– Murder trial SWAT officer.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
By COLLEEN SLEVIN
Associated Press
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the family of Kilyn Lewis, a 37-year-old Black man, is demanding a murder trial for the SWAT officer who fatally shot him. The incident took place in the parking lot of a condo building in Aurora, a Denver suburb, on May 23. The release of body camera footage has sparked outrage and calls for justice.
Tragic Shooting Caught on Camera
As officers closed in to arrest Lewis, he was seen holding a cellphone in his right hand. Despite surrendering by raising his arms in the air, Lewis was shot by a SWAT officer. The heartbreaking moment captured on body camera footage shows Lewis pleading, “I don’t have anything,” before the fatal shot was fired. The tragic events unfolded in a matter of seconds, leaving Lewis’ family devastated.
Calls for Accountability
Lewis’ mother, LaRonda Jones, has been vocal in demanding justice for her son. She insists that the officer responsible for her son’s death should face the same legal consequences as any other individual. Jones, along with Lewis’ father, wife, and older brother, as well as their legal team, are urging the local prosecutor and the state attorney general to uphold the law and ensure accountability.
This incident has reignited concerns about police conduct in Aurora, a city that has been marred by previous cases of police brutality. The death of Elijah McClain in 2019, another Black man who died after an encounter with Aurora police, looms large in the community’s memory. The conviction of two paramedics and a police officer in McClain’s case has not alleviated the deep-seated distrust towards law enforcement.
Challenges in Seeking Justice
Aurora police have remained tight-lipped about the ongoing investigations into the shooting of Kilyn Lewis. Questions have been raised about whether the officer acted in accordance with department policies and if prosecution is warranted. Despite the family’s pleas for transparency, the release of raw footage of the shooting has been delayed, further complicating efforts to seek justice.
Edward Hopkins, Jr., one of the family’s lawyers, has criticised the police’s handling of the case, alleging that the video release was designed to garner public support for the officers involved. He highlighted the distressing nature of the footage, which showed Lewis being confronted by officers wielding rifles and issuing commands in a manner reminiscent of a gang confrontation.
Standing Against Injustice
As the community grapples with yet another instance of police violence, the family of Kilyn Lewis remains steadfast in their pursuit of justice. Their call for accountability resonates with many who see the tragedy as a symptom of a broader issue of systemic racism within law enforcement. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for the ongoing fight against police brutality.
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“black man shot while holding cellphone want murder trial for SWAT officer”
“family of black man shot while holding cellphone want murder trial for SWAT officer”.
