Akron’s community activist and council leaders are demanding the names of the eight officers involved in the Jayland Walker case. This past June I’m 2022 Jayland Walker was shot at over 90 times and hit over 60 times by Akron Police officers. A traffic stop going wrong turned into overkill and abuse of excessive force. ( see previous article on Jayland Walkers case)
Updated 3/31/2023: click the link for video update. Prayers for Jayland Walker Family
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Jayland Walkers passing sparked protest worldwide. It also revealed that Akron Police Department was not following policies and procedures, not filing important documentation and more! This caused a outrage and distrust between the police department and the community. Jayland’s family has yet to receive Justice. The eight officers were released back to work and their identities are still being kept a secret, leaving the community scared for their life’s.
Unfortunately the injustice of police continues. In Memphis Tennessee Tyre Nichols was beaten and murder by Memphis police. According to multiple reports Tyre was hit, kicked, tased repeatedly by five officers. This case was different from other police brutality cases due to the officers being African American.
The family of Nichols and attorneys have met with police and city officials to view the traffic stop’s video recordings, which have been described as a vicious, prolonged beating that lasted for minutes after officers chased down a fleeing Nichols. (CNN)
The video was released to the public and an outrage and the protest started. The people demanded answers, causing Memphis Police chief to act fast.
All officers were terminated, and arrested prior to the public release of the video. The Chief also released the names of the officers involved. The Chief tried to take precaution due to the nature of the video. Chief Davis knew it was ignite protest and anger. Davis even called in the military for assistance for when the body cam footage was released. Davis knew reinforcements may be needed.
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis decried the officers’ conduct, adding additional officers continue to be investigated.
“This is not just a professional failing,” Davis said. “This is a failing of basic humanity toward another individual. This incident was heinous, reckless and inhumane. And in the vein of transparency, when the video is released in the coming days, you will see this for yourselves.”
After charges were announced Thursday, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said of the accelerated investigation, “We have worked to get a resolution to these matters in record time because we take them extremely seriously.” (CNN)
Akron’s community leaders are now triggered and want answers as to why can’t Akron Police department follow Memphis Chief and release the identity of the eight officers involved in Jayland Walkers case. At a recent Council meeting Councilmember Russ Neal spoke out. Here’s what we know:
“Footage of Memphis police brutally beating Tyre Nichols was released on Friday and hit close to home for Akron residents still mourning the loss of Walker. Walker, who was Black, was fatally shot by police in June following a car and subsequent foot chase. The investigation into the shooting foudn that he was unarmed at the time.
Councilmember Russ Neal said Akron should follow Memphis’ lead in releasing the names of the officers involved in these deaths. Neal said the community cannot heal from the death of Walker until the officers are held accountable.
“Folks are traumatized and can’t even begin to heal, and I can’t even imagine how the Walker family feels when they see this,” Neal said. “It’s time for the mayor and the chief safety officer of the city to call for those officer’s jobs and for their names to be released.”
The eight officers involved in the shooting of Walker have been back on administrative dutysince October. (WKSU)
To read the full reports click the links below;
CNN link about Tyre Nichols case:
https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2023/01/26/us/tyre-nichols-timeline-investigation/index.html
Jayland Walkers case information; (deannakay.net)
Link for Akrons Council meeting With Russ Neal:
https://share.newsbreak.com/2y1aam7l
Prayers to both families! We send our deepest condolences to you and your family. We stand with you and will fight for Justice. I also vow to report facts on both cases. Sending prayers