Derek Diaz
Diaz, 26, was shot and killed by police officers on July 3, 2023, in Orlando, Florida, USA, while he was in a parked car. According to police officers, Diaz was suspected of drug trafficking. Officers patrolling the area approached Diaz’s car and ordered him to turn off his music and put his hands on the steering wheel. Body camera video of the officer who shot Derek shows Diaz raising one hand up and opening the center console of the car, at which point the officer shot him. According to the officer, during the interaction, Diaz made a “movement” that they believe may have involved the use of a weapon, which prompted Officer Jose Velez to open fire. No weapons were found during a search of Derek Diaz’s vehicle.
The family of slain Derek Diaz has hired civil rights attorney Ben Crump to represent them in court. The officer who opened fire is on administrative leave pending an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
“According to police, during the conversation, Diaz made a ‘movement’ – believed at the time to be toward the gun – that caused Officer Jose Velez to shoot.”
CASE STATUS:
The Action Group has sought clarification on the current case from U.S. President Joseph Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. The Action Group believes it is important to combat police violence and can provide legal and informational assistance to the family of Derek Diaz if necessary.
