Forensics found up to 60 gunshot wounds to the body of 25-year-old Jayland Walker, who attempted to flee unarmed after allegedly committing a traffic violation.
The distribution of a video recorded by police themselves showing the death of a young black man shot by eight officers has sparked outrage in the US. This new case of police brutality occurred in Akron, Ohio, last Monday when Jayland Walker, 25, tried to flee after allegedly committing a traffic violation. Forensics found up to 60 gunshot wounds on his body.
Police officials have been forced to release the images after several days of protests in the city. They were captured on body cameras that officers are required to wear under US law.
At a press conference, local authorities reported that officers first stopped Walker, who was trying to escape from the wheel, and when he was cornered, he ran from the car. According to the official version, the agents believed he was armed, which was ruled out in the subsequent search. The young man had a gun with him, but did not remove it from the vehicle.
After the video aired, the disturbances increased and the mayor called for calm. Hundreds of people marched to Akron City Hall this Sunday, carrying banners depicting legends like “Justice for Jayland,” on the fourth day of demonstrations that turned tense yesterday as some people approached police cordon. The protesters caused some disorder, with the burning of dumpsters and damage to heavy equipment from the police, who fired tear gas to fend off the crowd.
For the chairman of the Organization for the Defense of Civil Rights (NAACP), Derrick Johnson, this death is a “murder”. “This black man was murdered (…) for a possible traffic violation. This is not happening to the white population in the United States,” he said.
The police officers involved in the events have been suspended pending the judicial investigation.
Source: La Verdad
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