Mothers Against Police Brutality, Inc.

Sonya Massey called police for help. She was shot in the face by a deputy, in her own home, while putting her hands up and apologizing. Afterward, the deputy told his partner not to retrieve his medical kit. The other deputy, the only with his body cam on, did get his kit and provide medical aid.

Deputy Sean Grayson did not have his body cam on until after he shot Sonya Massey. He is 30 years old and had been with the department for a little over a year. He has been charged with first degree murder, aggravated battery with a firearm, and official misconduct.

Grayson was arraigned Thursday. He plead not guilty and was denied bail.

"An expert in the field of "use of force" reviewed the body cam footage as part of the state police investigation and concluded that Grayson was not justified in the use of deadly force. The expert "likened the scenario to an officer intentionally and unnecessarily putting himself in front of a moving vehicle and then justifying use of force because of fear of being struck.""

The expert's comments are significant because we frequently see that exact justification for officer involved shootings. Having an expert reject that excuse is a big deal.

Illinois deputy charged with murder after fatally shooting Sonya Massey inside her home Court documents show that Sean Grayson fatally shot Sonya Massey even as she put her arms in the air and said "I'm sorry" while ducking for cover.

The family of 13-year-old Nyah Mway, who was shot dead by police after allegedly wielding a replica handgun, have called for the officers involved to be put in prison "forever."

Nyah was "a young man who loved math, soccer, and hanging out with his friends when he wasn't looking after his younger siblings. Despite his family being Buddhists, he was curious about learning and occasionally attended Bible study with his friends, the cousin added."

Police reports indicate that Nyah and another 13-year-old boy were stopped on Friday night because they matched the descriptions of suspects involved in an armed robbery that took place in the same area on Thursday, and one of the teens was caught jaywalking.

The jaywalking is a pretextual excuse for stopping these children. So is "matching the description", especially when the police department refrained from releasing the armed robbery report and its suspect description on Sunday, citing an ongoing investigation.

So we start with a harassing attitude in the first place, stopping these children for almost zero reason. Then, escalating further, the officer notifies these children they're going to be patted down. Is that even a lawful order? Can police demand to pat down any civilian, at will? Should that be acceptable?

Then police further escalate the situation by chasing two children who, at that point, they have no reason to chase. So now we have a child being chased by police, who outnumber them, and are heavily armed and publicly supported. Who is in more danger at this point? Who has the most reason to fear for their life?

It appears unclear in the video if Nyah is pointing a replica weapon at them or if Nyah just happens to have a replica weapon in his hand while he's running away and looking over his shoulder to gauge how close officers are. But that also shouldn't logically have any bearing on the outcome of this investigation because that's not when Nyah was shot.

Officer Bryce Patterson tackled and punched Nyah after catching up to him. As Bryce continued to assault Nyah, who was on the ground, Officer Patrick Husnay opened fire on Nyah.

Not only was Nyah not shot when he allegedly pointed a gun at officers, he was already under Bryce's control when Patrick shot him. Why would it ever be acceptable to shoot, much less kill, any person who has already been tackled on the ground? Especially a child.

In New York, the attorney general investigates deaths at the hands of law enforcement.

Nyah was laid to rest on Saturday. Hundreds of mourners attended the service.

Family of 13-year-old killed in shooting by police in Utica, New York, demands accountability The state attorney general is investigating the shooting of Nyah Mway, who was born in Myanmar and is a member of its Karen ethnic minority.

Guilty verdict for murderer, Jeff Nelson of the Auburn Police officer! The angel's name, Jesse Sarey

AUBURN OFFICER JEFF NELSON FOUND GUILTY
https://bit.ly/3ROAYEJ

Second degree murder and first degree assault.
Jeff Nelson turned a potential misdemeanor arrest into a fatal shooting.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 16, though the defense plans to file a motion for a new trial.
The guilty verdict was reached even despite the fact that jurors weren't allowed to hear about Jeff Nelson's history. Jeff Nelson has killed others and assaulted dozens more. Auburn civilians deserve to be protected from his brutality.

The four Chicago police officers who fired 96 bullets in 41 seconds during a West Side traffic stop on March 21 hit Dexter Reed 13 times, according to Reed’s autopsy, released Thursday by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

That's a lot of bullets that hit something other than Dexter Reed.

Why does a traffic stop have to end in death? Why are civilian lives always on the line? Police killing us like they are in target practice.

According to Chicago news affiliate, WTTW, the preliminary report says that Reed shot first. Really!!!

Reed was shot twice in his chest, once in his left shoulder, once in his back, four times in his buttocks, twice in his right thigh, once in his knee and twice in his right leg, according to the autopsy.

"The autopsy report confirms our perspective that these tactical officers used excessive and unreasonable force," said Andrew M. Stroth, the attorney representing Reed's family. "Dexter did not have a chance."

Chicago police Supt. Larry Snelling has yet to act on the recommendation of COPA Chief Administrator Andrea Kersten that the officers who shot Reed be stripped of their police powers during the ongoing probe. That would allow CPD to put the officers on unpaid leave.

Kersten told Snelling that recommendation was based on "grave concerns about the officers' ability to assess what is a necessary, reasonable, and proportional use of deadly force," according to a letter released by COPA in response to a Freedom of Information Act request filed by WTTW News.

One of the officers fired at least 50 times at Reed, including three times while he was motionless on the ground, according to Kersten's letter to Snelling. That officer reloaded his weapon twice, while three other officers reloaded their weapon once, according to the letter.

Reed's family filed a lawsuit against the city and CPD, accusing the officers who shot and killed him of violating his civil rights with "brutally violent, militarized policing tactics" during an improper traffic stop.

And just months after Dexter Reed was killed, a federal court order requiring the Chicago Police Department to change the way it trains, supervises and disciplines officers is set to expand to include traffic stops.

Dexter Reed Hit by 13 Bullets Fired by 4 CPD Officers During Traffic Stop, Autopsy Finds All five officers who stopped Dexter Reed near the border of Humboldt Park and Garfield Park remain on paid administrative leave and have not returned to active duty after completing a mandatory 30-day stint after the shooting, as required by department rules, a department spokesperson told WTTW New...

Chicago police misconduct files will soon be made public. ‘This is a huge step forward for transparency’
As it stands, CPD doesn’t have the staff to move forward with redacting and posting closing reports that include details about evidence, an overview of BIA’s investigation and a summary of the bureau’s findings and disciplinary recommendations.

“Once these resources are obtained, CPD commits to publicly post these full summary reports,” according to the statement, which doesn’t include a timeline.

Chicago police misconduct files will soon be made public. ‘This is a huge step forward for transparency’ The move brings light to a disciplinary process that has long faced criticism for being secretive and overly lenient.

EXCLUSIVE: Family of Milwaukie man killed by police speaks out

The lawsuit brought by the family lays out 25 instances of department policy violation and says that none of the sheriff’s deputies were publicly disciplined. Primarily the violations surrounded Clackamas County’s policy on use of force, alleging an illegal use of deadly force and excessive force from the explosives and canine. Some deputies muted their body cameras without explanation and others who were required to wear them didn’t do so.

“It seems like the events themselves suggest that they’re ignoring policies. They’re ignoring training, they’re ignoring long established constitutional law. They’re ignoring norms of decency as to how you treat human beings,” said Edward Moore, another lawyer representing the family.

EXCLUSIVE: Family of Milwaukie man killed by police speaks out Derrick Clark was shot and killed by police on June 22, 2022 after a car chase that started with suspicion of DUII.

Body cam footage reveals new details in deadly Milwaukie police shooting

⚠️TRIGGER WARNING: includes graphic body cam video⚠️

“Police are trained to deal with victims of shootings, whether police shootings or otherwise, and rendering aid to the injured is part and parcel of good and decent policing,” said Edward Moore, another attorney who is representing the family in the lawsuit. “And the real horror here is not only did they not render aid when he cried out for help. They refused to offer aid. They injured him further while he was alive and or injured him and desecrated his body.”

"You cannot rationalize this behavior because what you have is behavior right on tape, meaning that there are individuals who feel empowered to speak this way, to act this way. Imagine what is not on tape. Imagine what is not recorded.”

Body cam footage reveals new details in deadly Milwaukie police shooting Body cam footage reveals new details in deadly Milwaukie police shooting

New Louisiana law will make it harder for bystanders to film police misconduct

Similar laws creating "buffer zones" around police officers have faced legal challenges. A law in Arizona that criminalized filming police at a certain distance if told to stop was struck down last year by a federal judge who ruled that it violated First Amendment rights.

New Louisiana law will make it harder for bystanders to film police misconduct The legislation makes it a crime to be within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer if they have asked a person to stop approaching or to retreat.

Former Addis police officer turns himself in after guilty plea to vehicular manslaughter of Brusly teens

The officer never hit the brakes. He chose to risk two teeangers' lives for the sake of chasing down property. Police protect property over people.

And got 20 years off his sentence for turning himself in. There's little to no accountability in policing. The punishment wasn't enough to fit the crime.

Former Addis police officer turns himself in after guilty plea to vehicular manslaughter of Brusly teens ADDIS — A former Addis Police officer who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of two teenagers and negligent injuring of another in a crash during a reckless pursuit turned himself in Thursday morning.

Reform of RI's police bill of rights is closer than ever with House approval.

"The last 48 years have been nothing more than a cloak of secrecy over everything that happens with crooked cops," he said. "We have got to put an end to this."

Reform of RI's police bill of rights is closer than ever with House approval. What to expect. A long-awaited compromise bill to reform LEOBOR has been approved by the House

4 murder suspects strike deal because of racist Antioch police text scandal

"The DA's office conceded last summer racial bias was involved in the arrests of the four men, which (Judge) Goldstein ruled eliminated the need for any of the officers to testify."

4 murder suspects strike deal because of racist Antioch police text scandal Racism and police brutality came back to haunt Antioch police on Monday, as four murder suspects struck a plea deal eliminating possible murder convictions and knocking their charges down to manslaughter and other lesser charges.

More than 20 senior DC cops to be dismissed, including several due to alleged serious misconduct.

"The Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act of 2022 strengthens police disciplinary procedures, addresses police use of force, limits consent searches, bolsters the office of police complaints, makes it easier for the public to access records and body camera footage when there is an investigation into possible police misconduct and barred the police department from hiring officers disciplined or fired for past serious misconduct."

So of course police are upset by having consequences for their bad actions- because they're not used to it.

More than 20 senior DC cops to be dismissed, including several due to alleged serious misconduct More than 20 senior Washington, DC, Police officers will not be returning to the force after their contracts expire on April 30, including 12 due to alleged serious misconduct.

'I can't breathe.' Canton police bodycam footage captures Frank Tyson's final words

Police in Canton, Ohio, released a bodycam video showing officers pinning down a man while he repeats "I can't breathe."

'I can't breathe.' Canton police bodycam footage captures Frank Tyson's final words Canton released body camera footage of a fatal encounter with police. Frank Tyson's last words were "I can't breathe."

Auburn police officer’s murder trial tests new state law for police misconduct
https://www.kuow.org/stories/auburn-police-officer-s-murder-trial-tests-new-state-law-for-police-misconduct

"The first police officer charged with murder in Washington under a new legal standard for police misconduct is heading to trial. Jury selection is scheduled to begin April 22 in the trial of Auburn police officer Jeffrey Nelson.

In August 2020, then-King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg charged Nelson with second-degree murder and first-degree assault for killing 26-year-old Jesse Sarey. Nelson tackled and ultimately shot Sarey while trying to arrest him for disorderly conduct."

Reposted from JOIN US for on WEDNESDAY, MAY 26th, 2024 at 7pm (EDT) for wellness support for individuals and families harmed by police brutality. All sessions are virtual and free for impacted people and families who register to attend at www.thesoothecircle.org or by emailing [email protected].

***
At this session, Rosie Chavez of will bless the SOOTHE Circle with a presentation.

Presenter Bio:
Rosie Chavez is the aunt of Jacob Dominguez, who was unarmed when a San Jose police ​officer killed him in 2017. Ms. Chavez is herself the youngest of five children and the first ​person in her family to go to college. A single mother of three boys, Chavez is a San Jose ​City College alumna, earning a certificate of completion in Alcohol and Drug studies. For 17 ​years, Rosie was a Program Coordinator, Drug Alcohol Counselor, and Mental Health Peer ​Mentor in San Jose.

She works today with a community organizing, advocacy, and a ​multimedia storytelling organization based in San Jose, as an expression of her ambition to ​create social change after police killed her nephew.

A young father, Jacob was profiled by law enforcement because of his background. Right ​before he lost his life, Jacob participated in a documentary where he was quoted saying, ​“My hope for this film is when people see someone like me, they see the good.” (See comments to learn more).

Rosie’s current role as Participatory Defense/Community Release Project Organizer with ​De-Bug allows her to answer Jacob’s calling “to see the good” in a broader way – to uplift ​the good in individuals facing charges in the criminal justice system and to empower ​families in support of their loved ones, drawing on the extensive network of services and ​resources she has built in the South Bay. In October 2020, out of more than 150 applicants, ​Rosie was chosen to be a 2021-22 Mothers Against Police Brutality Legacy Fellow.

***
The SOOTHE Circle is a community wellness project from DivineSense and is fiscally sponsored by - a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

6 former Mississippi officers are sentenced in state court for racist torture of 2 Black men

In March, U.S. District Judge Tom Lee called their actions "egregious and despicable" as he gave sentences near the top of the federal guidelines to five of the six men.

6 former Mississippi officers are sentenced in state court for racist torture of 2 Black men All six officers have pleaded guilty to federal charges, and admitted to subjecting the victims to numerous acts of racist torture in last year.

Support...

Federal judge bans 'excited delirium' from upcoming Chula Vista police misconduct trial

Excited delirium has been a common phrase intended to lessen the negative public perception of murder by police.

Federal judge bans 'excited delirium' from upcoming Chula Vista police misconduct trial The decision comes just months after California lawmakers outlawed the use of the disproven medical theory as a cause of death.

A dance about gun violence is touring nationally with Alvin Ailey's company
Ode is a poem to Black victims of police brutality.

A dance about gun violence is touring nationally with Alvin Ailey's company Choreographer Jamar Roberts created a piece about gun violence and police brutality when he found himself sleepless over the issue. It's touring now with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.

Family of Mississippi teen who died after being run over by police searching for answers and accountability

Kaychia Calvert is Kadarius Smith's mother. Josh Bogen is the Leland city attorney.

"There was a patrol vehicle that ran over the young man. As to whether he ran over his back, or what happened, that would depend on the investigation," Bogen said, calling the situation an “accident.”

“The idea that the police officer purposely ran over the alleged victim is a complete absurdity,” he said.

Officials with the police department and the department of public safety did not provide any documents or reports about the incident this week.

The county coroner’s office, which determines the cause and manner of death, did not respond to multiple calls. Smith, a junior in high school, had plans to move to Georgia with his sister and get into real estate after high school graduation, Calvert said."

Family of Mississippi teen who died after being run over by police searching for answers and accountability Kadarius Smith, 17, was struck while running from a home early on March 21.

Officer involved in Freddie Gray's death will oversee Baltimore police integrity unit

In 2015, Baltimore officials and attorneys for Freddie Gray's family reached a $6.4 million settlement over the 25-year-old's death.

Officer involved in Freddie Gray's death will oversee Baltimore police integrity unit Captain Alicia White's move to the Public Integrity Bureau went into effect on Feb. 11, officials say. She is one of the six officers involved in Freddie Gray's death, none of whom were convicted.

Prosecutors dismiss charges against Louisiana troopers who bragged of beating a Black motorist

“The system is rigged against people like Antonio,” said Harris’ attorney, Michael T. Sterling, who first learned about the dismissals on Friday from The Associated Press, which confirmed them in an interview with the district attorney. “The record was clear that these officers senselessly and ruthlessly beat Antonio Harris and lied about it in reports. It’s hard to understand what’s going on here.”

Prosecutors dismiss charges against Louisiana troopers who bragged of beating a Black motorist Prosecutors dismiss charges against Louisiana troopers who bragged of beating a Black motorist - Louisiana prosecutors have quietly dismissed charges against state police troopers who were recorded beating a Black motorist

MAPB Fellowship Legacy Program

Earlier this month Kathy Scott-Lykes represented MAPB at the Poor People’s Campaign Moral March to the Statehouse in Atlanta. This was part of a direct action campaign in 32 states at the same time. Kathy was joined by Dalphine Robinson and Montye Benjamin. All 3 are 2021 MAPB Fellows.

March 2, 2024 (l. to r.) Georgia PPC Director Jemelle Hill, and MAPB Fellows Kathy Scott-Lykes, Dalphine Robinson, and Montye Benjamin.

MAPB Fellowship Legacy Program

This week Adrienne Hood is representing MAPB in a human rights delegation to Brazil. This trip is in conjunction with the DC-based Institute on Race, Equality, and Human Rights. The delegation includes the U.S. House Members Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA), Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL), and Glenn Ivey (D-MD), and Nathaly Calixto (director of Race & Equality’s Brazil Program Officer). This invitation is a direct result of MAPB’s presence in Geneva 2022 (Collette) and Atlanta 2023 (Fellows).

At the Brazilian Embassy, a pre-travel meeting of the delegation to Brazil. Nathaly Calixto (second from left); at center (l. to r.) MAPB Fellow Adrienne Hood, Brazil Ambassador to U.S. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, House Members Jonathan Jackson and Sydney Kamlager-Dove.

How a Goon Squad of Deputies Got Away With Years of Brutality

They barged into homes in the middle of the night, then held people down while they beat and choked them, witnesses said. For years, signs of the violence went ignored.

How a ‘Goon Squad’ of Deputies Got Away With Years of Brutality They barged into homes in the middle of the night, then held people down while they beat and choked them, witnesses said. For years, signs of the violence went ignored.

Los Angeles man, 34, Jesse Dominguez, identified as the pedestrian killed by CHP officer on freeway

A former deputy did question why the officer confronted Jesse one on one when the freeway had been cleared and no one appeared to be in immediate danger.
“The problem is if I got distance between an individual with a stun gun and myself, then there’s an opportunity to de-escalate, an opportunity to retreat.”

Los Angeles man, 34, identified as the pedestrian killed by CHP officer on freeway Jesse Dominguez was fatally shot on Interstate 105 on Sunday after 911 callers reported a person walking on the busy thoroughfare; his death was captured on video.

‘It’s a constant fight’: Marquise Jones Foundation hopes to heal community after police violence

Beyond monetary support, the foundation wants to create an advocacy network for victims’ families. There are crime victim assistance programs and funds, but if no crime is found to have occurred in a killing by police officers, families often don’t qualify.

Marquise Jones Foundation hopes for healing after police violence The Marquise Jones Foundation was started in San Antonio to support families whose loved ones have been killed by law enforcement officers.

To Build an Abolitionist Future, We Must Look to Indigenous Pasts

Worlds without police and without prisons have already existed, predating colonization and slavery.

Indigenous cosmologies didn’t rely on prisons as a punitive reaction to harm or the violence of policing to induce a logic of fear. Instead, they emphasized building societal structures that supported the well-being of individuals so that there was no need or desire to perpetuate harm on others or to replicate harm perpetuated on oneself.

To Build an Abolitionist Future, We Must Look to Indigenous Pasts Worlds without police and without prisons have already existed, predating colonization and slavery.