Vigil for Aiyana Stanley-Jones Ends With 6 Arrests at Detroit Precinct
Jim Schaefer and Kianna Harris,
Detroit Free Press 8:54 p.m. EDT
July 20, 2016
A protest against police violence led six participants to chain themselves together Wednesday, blocking the front door and driveway to the Detroit Police 3rd Precinct north of downtown.
“We’ll be here until they cut us out,” said Dakarai Carter, 22, of Detroit. And indeed, just before 8 p.m., all six protesters were arrested.
The protest began about 6 p.m. in a park about a half-mile from the precinct house, where people gathered to honor what would have been the 14th birthday of Aiyana Stanley-Jones, who was shot and killed by a Detroit police officer in 2010. That officer, Joseph Weekley, was tried twice in the incident, with both ending in mistrial.
After singing songs and chanting for justice, the group of about 100 began marching south and then west to the precinct. Around 7 p.m., the half-dozen people chained themselves to the building, calling for the resignation or firing of Weekley.
The protesters included Black Youth Project 100, the Detroit chapter for Black Lives Matter, and other activists.
Police said the six would be charged with disorderly conduct. Commander Elvin Barren: “We see this as a trend across the country. We were prepared for this.” Barren said police have been respectful of people’s right to protest, but the chaining is illegal and forced the arrest.
Among those attending was Matthew Cross, 45, of Detroit. As a white person, he said, “it is important to be present. Me not showing up would only prove that we as people allow the senseless crimes.”
Earlier, in the park, Aiyana’s grandmother, Mertilla Jones, said of police: “We can’t even trust them, they’re supposed to protect and serve us.”
She said, "Even though Aiyana was murdered, we still celebrate each and every birthday."
Aiyana was shot and killed when she was 7 during a botched raid on her east-side Detroit home in 2010. A round from Weekley's gun struck her in the head. Aiyana had been asleep with her grandmother on a couch in the front room. Police were in search of a murder suspect.
Weekley was tried twice, accused of being negligent and reckless with a firearm. His defense said the episode was a tragic accident, caused when Aiyana's grandmother had contact with Weekley's gun. Mertilla Jones said she had no such contact with Weekley. The officer faced charges, including involuntary manslaughter.
Both times, juries deadlocked in their deliberations and mistrials were declared. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said Weekley would not be tried again.
In April 2015, the family sued him, the police department and the City of Detroit in federal court. The suit, which claims excessive force was used, is pending.
Detroit Free Press 8:54 p.m. EDT
July 20, 2016
A protest against police violence led six participants to chain themselves together Wednesday, blocking the front door and driveway to the Detroit Police 3rd Precinct north of downtown.
“We’ll be here until they cut us out,” said Dakarai Carter, 22, of Detroit. And indeed, just before 8 p.m., all six protesters were arrested.
The protest began about 6 p.m. in a park about a half-mile from the precinct house, where people gathered to honor what would have been the 14th birthday of Aiyana Stanley-Jones, who was shot and killed by a Detroit police officer in 2010. That officer, Joseph Weekley, was tried twice in the incident, with both ending in mistrial.
After singing songs and chanting for justice, the group of about 100 began marching south and then west to the precinct. Around 7 p.m., the half-dozen people chained themselves to the building, calling for the resignation or firing of Weekley.
The protesters included Black Youth Project 100, the Detroit chapter for Black Lives Matter, and other activists.
Police said the six would be charged with disorderly conduct. Commander Elvin Barren: “We see this as a trend across the country. We were prepared for this.” Barren said police have been respectful of people’s right to protest, but the chaining is illegal and forced the arrest.
Among those attending was Matthew Cross, 45, of Detroit. As a white person, he said, “it is important to be present. Me not showing up would only prove that we as people allow the senseless crimes.”
Earlier, in the park, Aiyana’s grandmother, Mertilla Jones, said of police: “We can’t even trust them, they’re supposed to protect and serve us.”
She said, "Even though Aiyana was murdered, we still celebrate each and every birthday."
Aiyana was shot and killed when she was 7 during a botched raid on her east-side Detroit home in 2010. A round from Weekley's gun struck her in the head. Aiyana had been asleep with her grandmother on a couch in the front room. Police were in search of a murder suspect.
Weekley was tried twice, accused of being negligent and reckless with a firearm. His defense said the episode was a tragic accident, caused when Aiyana's grandmother had contact with Weekley's gun. Mertilla Jones said she had no such contact with Weekley. The officer faced charges, including involuntary manslaughter.
Both times, juries deadlocked in their deliberations and mistrials were declared. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said Weekley would not be tried again.
In April 2015, the family sued him, the police department and the City of Detroit in federal court. The suit, which claims excessive force was used, is pending.
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