The numbers are startling, the similarities are haunting, and the frequency… incomprehensible. As citizens across this country continue to be unlawfully detained, arrested and even killed by police under circumstances that are questionable at best, the grieving families of these victims are left with little peace or consolation.
Such is the case for the family of Ashtian Barnes, 24, who was killed by Harris County Police Officer Roberto Felix on April 28th. Today, Officer Roberto Felix was No-Billed by a Harris County Grand Jury, which means he will not be indicted or face charges for the death of Barnes. Here’s more from Fox 26 Houston…
HOUSTON (FOX 26) – After two sessions, a grand jury has not indicted a Harris County Precinct 5 deputy constable in the April 28 deadly shooting of Ashtian Barnes.
“What we can say is that the presentation was comprehensive and responsive to the needs of the grand jury,” said Harris County District Attorney’s Office Civil Rights Division Chief Julian Ramirez. “The 183rd Grand Jury handled this case with great care.” The grand jury of twelve people included three African Americans and three Hispanics.
[…]
At least nine of the 12 grand jurors needed to find probable cause to indict the deputy constable. DA Anderson said that the panel’s decision shows there was not enough evidence for a charge.
But the newly released video via Black Lives Matter- Houston has many people seeing the outcome differently. The video, which seems to counter the officer’s account of the incident, is leading many viewers to cry foul with the Grand Jury’s decision. As one may recall from earlier this summer, those standards to find Probable Cause against policemen were significantly toughened when a Supreme Court decision decimated the Fourth Amendment, giving police virtual right to profile and suspect any citizen that they want. As seen and heard from the video, the officer seems to be looking for reasons to conduct a search of Barnes’ vehicle. Beyond the lack of probable cause, BLM members also stated that officers and lawyers for Felix were “laughing in the face” of activists outside the trial.
At this moment, BLM members are gathering for a protest in front of the Harris County courthouse, calling for Justice for Ashtian Barnes. The protest begins at 6pm. Texas Leftist will be following the developments.
Do you agree with the Grand Jury’s assessment?? Leave your feedback in the comments.
Another black life snuffed out by cop and nothing will be done. Cops are judge, jury and executioner and that is just fine with people who don’t give a shit about justice or black lives.
Don’t expect not to get shot when you drive away with a cop holding on to your open door. What was he expecting the cop to do. Jump off once he hit 90mph? Blue lives matter too.