Here in New York, the family of Ramarley Graham has held an all-night vigil outside the local Justice Department office to mark four years since the unarmed African-American 18-year-old was fatally shot by police officer Richard Haste. On February 2, 2012, Haste shot Graham inside his home, in front of his grandmother and six-year-old brother. Haste was initially indicted for manslaughter by a grand jury, but the case was dismissed over a prosecutor’s error; a new grand jury declined to indict him. Since the shooting, Officer Haste has received nearly $25,000 in raises. Graham’s mother, Constance Malcolm, spoke to the local NBC station outside the Justice Department.
Constance Malcolm: “We really mean business. We want some answers. This office is the last place that could give us answers to why my son is dead.”
Ramarley Graham’s family has called for the city to fire Officer Haste. The federal investigation is ongoing.