The FBI is looking into the latest death of a black St. Petersburg youth at the hands of police.
Agents have sent a letter to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office requesting reports involving the April 12 shooting in St. Petersburg, as well as witness statements, photographs, videos, audio recordings, medical records and other material.
“We are cooperating fully with this investigation,” Sgt. Jim Bordner, sheriff’s spokesman, said Tuesday.
A similar letter has been sent to the St. Petersburg Police Department asking for documents or evidence relating to a search warrant officers executed March 15 at Walker’s home on 16th Avenue S.
The Sheriff’s Office said that raid, which netted drugs and several handguns, justified the SWAT tactics on April 12, including use of a flash-bang device to disorient people inside Walker’s home.
St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker said the city will cooperate with the federal investigation. “If the FBI feels it is necessary to investigate, it’s appropriate for them to do that,” he said.
……On Monday a sheriff’s review panel found Taylor, 33, complied with agency policy and training “as currently written.” Sheriff Jim Coats still has to review the report and could suggest policy changes or punishment for Taylor. The deputy said Walker slid to the floor during the raid, appeared to be searching for something under a couch and refused repeated commands to show his hands.
A review of the case by State Attorney Bernie McCabe said Taylor fired twice, striking Walker in the back. Though McCabe cleared Taylor of criminal wrongdoing, he said in a report, “I cannot help but note that this is another relatively young black male who has met his death at the hands of law enforcement in Pinellas County” and urged the Sheriff’s Office to review its policy on use of deadly force.
Walker was unarmed, though the Sheriff’s Office said a loaded handgun was found nearby. His mother and others say Taylor was close enough to use physical restraint rather than his gun.
……“Jarrell Walker should be alive and facing a judge or jury to determine his culpability,” Rouson said.
……Chimurenga Waller, a leader with the Uhuru movement, pointed to the low prosecution rate of civil rights cases. “We support the demand but we’re not going to be taken off course by assuming the FBI would make a ruling that is favorable to the African people.”
The Uhurus said they have planned their own court-style hearing for July 24. The group has issued demands that Deputy Taylor, Sheriff Coats, Chief Harmon and McCabe attend.
Isn’t it funny how the drug laws always seem to disproportionately affect the poor and minority members of a community…