Washington, D.C
Loved Ones Demand Answers at Vigil for 17-Year-Old Shot, Killed by Police in DC
Members of the family and associates of the 17-year-old boy who was shot and killed by a U.S. Park Police (USPP) officer in D.C. got here collectively for a vigil Sunday evening.
{The teenager}, Dalaneo Martin, was discovered inside a stolen car on March 18, and resisted when USPP officers tried to get him out of the automotive, police mentioned. Authorities mentioned an officer was contained in the automotive as Dalaneo drove away, and one other officer was dragged by the automotive.
The incident got here to an finish within the 300 block of 36th Avenue NE, after the officer within the automotive shot Dalaneo. A gun was later recovered inside. Now, his household is looking for solutions from regulation enforcement.
Dalaneo’s mom, Terra, led the demonstration down Benning Street accompanied by members of the family and associates. She mentioned her household is left with lingering questions eight days after her son was shot and killed: “Why wasn’t a taser deployed? Why was the officer at the back of his automotive? Why was Dalaneo shot in a non-threatening place? Why haven’t concerned officers’ names been launched?”
The vigil came about outdoors the house the place {the teenager} crashed the alleged stolen automotive after he was shot. Dozens got here collectively to demand justice and name for the discharge of the bodycam footage.
The household’s lawyer, Andrew O. Clarke, mentioned the household was instructed by the coroner that Dalaneo was shot a number of occasions.
“Six pictures to the again,” Clarke mentioned. “How will you clarify that?”
USPP have but to say what number of pictures have been fired, or the place {the teenager} was struck.
The incident started when D.C. police requested the help of USPP for a suspicious automotive within the space of thirty fourth and Baker streets NE at round 8:50 a.m.
After they arrived on the scene, Dalaneo was discovered asleep inside with the ignition working. Authorities decided the automotive was stolen and known as for added models, however they mentioned {the teenager} took off when USPP officers responded and tried to get him out of the automotive.
“It’s been eight days. Why can we not have any solutions? Why have there been no arrests?” Clarke requested.
Dalaneo, often known as Debo to his household, was a father to a 5-month-old son. They mentioned he cared deeply about others, they usually imagine that whereas he might have made errors, he didn’t need to die for allegedly stealing a automotive.
“That may be changed. We’d like assist. Justice for Dalaneo Martin. My brother deserves to be right here,” Rahketa Steele, his older sister, mentioned.
The lethal taking pictures is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Division’s inner affairs division. The 2 USPP officers concerned stay on paid administrative go away.