Tyshon Jones
In March 2021, 29-year-old Tyshon Jones was shot and killed by police officers in Rochester, New York.
The police responded to a call about a man with a knife who threatened to harm himself. At the scene they found Jones. The police pointed a gun at him and told him to drop the knife. Jones refused to obey the commands of the police. After that, the police shot several times at Jones. He died from his injuries.
Jones’ relatives reported that he suffered from PTSD, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder. In addition, according to relatives, he was very upset by the death of his grandmother and great-grandmother. Jones’ family said the police intimidated and killed him instead of helping him.
In July 2021, a jury acquitted the police officer who shot Jones. In June 2022, the Jones family filed a lawsuit against the city and demanded that those involved in his death be held accountable.
MASS MEDIA ABOUT THE CASE:
“Rather than accommodating his disability, as required by law, RPD officers exacerbated it: they shone bright lights at him, repeatedly shouted at him through a megaphone, and surrounded him with police cars and officers,” the lawsuit reads. “They ignored his glaring need for help, and instead shot him five times.”
Rochester First
“It is clear to us already that the City of Rochester and Rochester Police Department have not lived up to their commitment to providing officers with appropriate training for engaging with mentally disabled individuals,” the family’s attorney said.
Democrat & Cronichle
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.
Letter to Biden
Letter to Garland
