On Tuesday, activists marched in Washington, D.C. on the one-year anniversary of the death of Jayland Walker. Walker was fatally shot last year by police in Akron, Ohio. A coalition of advocacy organizations are now calling for federal investigations into Walker’s killing.
Color Of Change, The Freedom BLOC and over 20 civil rights organizations have written a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, calling for a federal civil rights investigation into the officers involved in Jayland Walker’s killing and the Akron Police Department.
Walker was 25 years old when shot by eight officers on June 27, 2022 during a traffic stop for an alleged “traffic and equipment violation.” Walker sustained over 40 gunshot wounds and died. Police originally claimed Walker fired shots from his car, but Walker was not armed when police fatally shot Walker.
In April, an Ohio grand jury decided not to press state charges on the officers involved after an investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Earlier this month, the Department of Justice released findings of significant civil rights violations from its investigation into the Minneapolis Police Department following George Floyd’s killing by MPD officers in 2020. Now, local politicians and advocates want to see the DOJ investigate Walker’s case – and the Akron police – the same way.
Representative Emilia Strong Sykes for Ohio’s 13 district, which includes Akron, called on the DOJ in April to investigate “the patterns and practices of the Akron Police Department.”
“The call for this investigation is in no way an attempt at retribution, but rather, an opportunity to implement more community-focused policing that serves the needs of every segment of this community,” Sykes said in a statement.
State Senator Vernon Sykes, (D-Akron), echoed his daughter’s call for an investigation on Tuesday in a statement standing with those marching in Washington, D.C.
“One year ago today, eight Akron police officers used excessive force to kill Jayland Walker. Despite pledges of investigations and change, justice still has not been delivered to him and his family,” Sykes said.
“I salute my friends, neighbors, and those from around the country who came together in D.C. to demand justice.”
In early June, Walker’s family filed a federal lawsuit seeking $45 million in damages, symbolically asking for $1 million for every bullet that hit Walker.
In Akron, a community police oversight committee was created in 2022 following Walker’s death. On Wednesday, the board met with members of the department and local community. A livestream recording of the meeting can be watched here. The committee is expected to release a set of recommendations for the Akron Police Department.