The family of Stephon Clark is demanding criminal charges for the Sacramento police officers responsible for the fatal shooting of the unarmed African-American father of two. The police officers shot him 20 times in his backyard. This is Stephon Clark’s grandmother, Sequita Thompson, speaking at a powerful news conference on Monday.
Sequita Thompson: “My grandson was 23 years old. And then, now my great-grandbabies don’t have their daddy, because they didn’t even stop. Why didn’t you just shoot him in the arm, shoot him in the leg, send the dogs, send a taser? Why? Why? You all didn’t have to do that. You all didn’t have to—over a cellphone. I just want justice for my grandson, for my daughter, my poor babies. They’re in so much pain. She’s in pain, and the brothers. He’s got two brothers. Justice. I want justice for my baby! I want justice for Stephon Clark! Please, give us justice!”
Stephon Clark’s killing has sparked massive protests. The Sacramento police have still not explained why the officers muted their body cameras after they shot Clark 20 times. Clark’s funeral will be held on Thursday.