Alexander Gonzales
Alexander Gonzales, 27, was shot dead after an interaction with an off-duty cop that started on a highway in Austin, TX.
The officer claimed Gonzales cut him off and brandished a gun, so he followed the man and shot at him six times hitting Gonzales and his female passenger. The couple’s baby was in the backseat of the car.
When police show up, Gonzales — likely disoriented from being shot — does not listen to their commands and instead walks around to the passenger side of the car. Gonzales could have simply been checking on the baby’s mother. However, because he did not listen to their commands, another officer opened fire on him killing him on the spot.
Police admitted Gonzales was not holding a gun at the time and only claimed that they found “what they believe is his gun” in the car. In April 2021, family of Gonzales announced that they are going to fill a lawsuit against police officers, involved in the shooting.
On August 2 2021 the family held vigil for Gonzales to push for accountability. According to the Travis County District Attorney’s Office, the district attorney’s office’s Civil Rights unit and Austin Police Department’s Special Investigations unit are conducting a joint investigation in this case. They likely won’t decide to present this to a grand jury until later this year.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
“I think when you see the video, it’s going to be heartbreaking and tragic,” attorney for Gonzales’ parents said. “What happened is unconscionable, in my opinion. There’s no credible defense for it.”
“…people need to come out and get justice because it’s not right, it’s not right what they did to him, and it’s not right what they’re doing to other people that are minorities,” Gonzales’ sister said.
CASE STATUS:
The initiative group has requested the clarification from US President Joseph Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The initiative group believes it is important to fight against police brutality and, if necessary, will provide legal and financial assistance to the family of the victim.
