- 17 Jul 2017 14:38
#14824368
Shooting death of Justine Damond by US police sparks calls for federal investigation
We all know the names by heart; Travon Martin, Michael Brown, Phillip Castillo and on and on. For some reason the media in the US only makes a big deal when police shoot black men.
AN Australian woman just weeks away from her wedding was shot dead by police in her adopted new hometown in America’s Midwest after calling 911 for help.
The devastated family and friends of Justine Ruszczyk Damond, 40, on Monday demanded a federal investigation into how she died in her pyjamas late Saturday night.
Ms Damond had called for help after hearing what police said was “a possible assault” in a lane outside her home in southwest Minneapolis. She was killed at 11.30pm by at least one shot from the two officers who responded to the call. Local media reported she was speaking through the door of their patrol car to the driver when the passenger shot her.
A crowd of more than 100 gathered at a vigil yesterday to remember the corporate speaker and meditation teacher, who moved from Sydney’s Northern Beaches three years ago and was to marry US businessman Don Damond, 50, next month.
“This woman was a beautiful light. She was a healer, she was loved, she should be alive — she should still be here,” said neighbour Bethany Bradley.
Damond’s soon-to-be stepson Zach posted a poignant video about his “best friend”, who had previously spoken out about America’s gun culture.
“Basically my mum’s dead because a police officer shot her for reasons I don’t know,” he said.
“America sucks.”
The two officers involved in the shooting were immediately placed on administrative leave while the local Bureau of Criminal Apprehension investigates.
Don Damond, the vice president of Little Six Casino, was away on business when his partner was murdered and arrived at their home yesterday afternoon.
We all know the names by heart; Travon Martin, Michael Brown, Phillip Castillo and on and on. For some reason the media in the US only makes a big deal when police shoot black men.
Last edited by maz on 17 Jul 2017 15:22, edited 2 times in total.