THEIR STORIES
It is vital for us to not just think about the sufferers of police brutality and violence. But to remember there are people still suffering not only loss, but virtual PTSD, lack of resources for proper communication channels to the media, and local support in general.
LANEY SWEET
On January 18, 2016, Daniel Shaver was murdered by Phillip Brailsford of the Mesa, Arizona PD. Daniel was ordered on his hands and knees in the hallway of LaQuinta Hotel after a reporting that a man was seen holding a gun in his room. Daniel was unarmed and crying when he was shot. None of the officers involved were charged.
Wanda Johnson
On New Years Day, 2009, 22 year old Oscar Grant III was shot in the back by Bart PD Officer, Johannes Mehserle. He claimed that he thought he was charging his taser. Oscar was faced down on the ground in Fruitvale Station with his hands handcuffed behind his back. Mehserle was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to 2 years.
With time served, double credit, Mehserle served 292 days in prison. He later appealed, so that he could return to police work. Oscar's story was documented in the movie: Fruitvale Station - starring Michael B. Jordan. His mother, Wanda Johnson, heads the Oscar Grant Foundation in Oakland.
Jeralynn Blueford
Alan Blueford was killed by officer Miguel Masso just after midnight on May 6, 2012. Alan was 18 and due to graduate high school a month later. After shooting Alan four times, Officer Masso shot himself in the foot to justify his story that Alan pointed a gun at him. Evidence later showed that Alan did not have a gun. No charges were brought against Masso.
Valerie Bell
Sean Bell was 23 when he was murdered by NYPD in Queens, New York on November 25, 2006. 50 shots were fired by plainclothes officers at Bell and his friends on the night of his bachelor party. The officers went to trial but were found, NOT GUILTY. The following day, Sean's family got a call from the Los Angeles Dodgers to inquire about him joining the team. They were unaware of his death.
Tressa Sherrod
John Crawford III was on the phone with his girlfriend when he was killed at a Walmart in Beavercreek Ohio on August 5, 2014. John picked up a toy gun from a shelf. Police officer, Sean Williams was in the store; saw John with the toy gun and shot him. Sean Williams stated that he would not have changed a thing after being promoted to detective.
Gwen Carr
On July 17, 2014, Eric Garner died after NYPD officer, Daniel Pantaleo, put Garner in a chokehold. Garner repeated "I can't breathe" 11 times. Though the coroner ruled it a homicide, Panteleo was found not guilty, and finally fired 5 years later. Gwen is a constant activist against police brutality.
Lezley McSpadden
Lezley McSpadden is the mother of Michael Brown. Michael was shot 6 times in the chest with his hands up, in Ferguson Missouri on August 9, 2014. Despite the protests in Ferguson, Darren Wilson was not indicted.
Brandt Jean
Alison Jean #2
Shante Needham
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