by Derrick T Lewis | Aug 2, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice, Uncategorized |
A solemn chapter in the quest for justice unfolds as former Shreveport Police Department officer Alexander Tyler appears in court, entangled in the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Alonzo Bagley, a Black man whose life was tragically cut short. The proceedings, which took place on July 24, marked a pivotal moment in a case that has drawn nationwide attention and heightened calls for accountability within law enforcement.
In a courtroom charged with emotion, Alexander Tyler, a white former officer, entered a plea of not guilty to charges stemming from the shooting incident that claimed the life of Alonzo Bagley in February. Tyler faces charges of first-degree negligent homicide and felony malfeasance, with prosecutors recently adding a second felony charge to the list. If found guilty, both counts carry potential sentences of up to five years in prison, a reflection of the gravity of the accusations.
The events leading up to the fatal encounter were captured on bodycam footage, a chilling testament to the realities of this tragic incident. The events transpired on February 3 when law enforcement were called to an apartment complex in the Shreveport, Louisiana region following reports of a domestic disturbance. What followed in the wake of their arrival would reverberate deeply within the community. Alonzo Bagley, a 43-year-old Black man, chose to escape the clutches of the authorities by vaulting from a balcony, setting in motion an intense pursuit on foot that would hold the attention of all those involved.
The bodycam footage revealed the pivotal moments that culminated in tragedy. As officers closed in on Bagley, Alexander Tyler discharged his weapon, striking Bagley in the chest. The visual documentation of the encounter has ignited a wave of outrage and intensified demands for transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system.
Proponents of accountability argue that while law enforcement officers indeed face perilous situations, the public expects that they will exercise sound judgment and adhere to strict guidelines, particularly when it comes to the use of lethal force. Tyler’s legal history, including two suspensions from the force and an ongoing investigation into previous violations, casts a shadow over his actions and raises questions about his fitness to serve as a protector of the community.
In response to these deeply troubling developments, community leaders, activists, and concerned citizens are rallying for a thorough and impartial investigation. The case of Alonzo Bagley’s death echoes a larger nationwide conversation about systemic issues within law enforcement and the urgent need for reform.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the outcome of this case will undoubtedly have significant implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader movement for justice and accountability. The plea of not guilty signifies the beginning of a complex journey towards truth and justice, one that will require a steadfast commitment from all corners of society to ensure that the memory of Alonzo Bagley is honored and that incidents like this never happen again.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Jul 7, 2023 | Latest, Social Justice |
In a recent court appearance, Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old former United States Marine, entered a plea of not guilty for the chokehold death of Jordan Neely. In a video that documented the event, Penny was seen restraining Neely, an unhoused street performer of Black ethnicity, in a chokehold that tragically resulted in his demise within the confines of a subway car in New York.
The hearing, a concise proceeding of under five minutes, witnessed Penny offering a resolute declaration of “not guilty” as his sole response. The recent indictment for second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide was brought forth by a grand jury in Manhattan. Despite the charges, Penny remains free on a $100,000 bond, with no adjustments to his conditions during the hearing. The tragic incident has sparked outrage and intensified calls for justice.
Neely’s family, along with advocates against police brutality, are closely following the case. The assertion of innocence through the plea of not guilty has sparked additional discourse in the public sphere concerning the disproportionate employment of force and the responsibility of those in law enforcement. Penny’s next court appearance is slated for October 25th, signifying the ongoing progression of the legal proceedings.The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to address the issues of racial injustice and excessive force within the criminal justice system.
by Samantha J Rice | Dec 8, 2022 | Latest, Social Justice |
On May 14, Payton Gendron opened fire in a Tops supermarket in Buffalo, NY, killing 10 people and injuring three more. Gendron, a 19-year-old white man, was taken into custody later that same day and has now plead guilty to all charges related to the massacre. While authorities have not released a motive for the shooting, they have ruled out any links to terrorism.
They were members of our community who will be forever missed. As we continue to mourn the loss of those who were killed in this tragic event, we must also remember the strength and resilience of our community. In the face of such darkness, we must come together and support one another. We will not let this act of violence define us; instead, we will stand together and show the world that we are #BuffaloStrong.
Gendron’s attorneys released a statement following his guilty plea, saying that he “takes full responsibility” for his actions and expressing their condolences to the families of the victims. In exchange for his guilty plea, prosecutors agreed to not seek the death penalty against Gendron.
Gendron pled guilty to all 13 charges on Thursday morning, just hours before his trial was set to begin. In a statement to the court, Gendron said that he “deeply regretted” his actions and that he was “prepared to accept the consequences.” The sentencing phase of the trial is set to begin next week, at which time Gendron could face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 23, 2021 | Latest, Music News |
Appearing in court were the suspects in the Mac Miller murder who died from using drugs.
Investigating officers have linked several people to being directly or indirectly involved in the MC and rapper’s death.
Presiding over the court hearing on MacMillers murder was Judge Otis D. Wright
Pleading guilty to distributing drugs to Mac Miller were two suspects, namely Stephen Andrew Walter and Ryan Michael Reavis.
According to various news agencies, Stephen Andrew Walter and Ryan Michael Reavis confessed to their role in the transaction that indirectly led to Mac Miller’ death.
During Tuesday morning’s (November 30) court hearing, Miller’s supplier confessed to giving the counterfeit oxycontin pills to Reavis.
Pleading not guilty, Mac Miller’s dealer said that he was unaware of the pills’ contents
Confessing to abetting the transaction, Walter told Judge Otis D. Wright. “that he did not know that fentanyl made up the pills.”
During the hearing, however, Reavis, who remained mum during the entire proceedings, admitted that he knew they contained either fentanyl or some other controlled substance
Following an investigation into Miller’s death, it was confirmed he passed away after ingesting a mix of fentanyl, cocaine, and alcohol.
According to Walter’s statement before the court on September 4, 2018, he instructed Reavis to deliver oxycodone pills to Cameron Pettit.
Defending himself from the murder charges, Walter said that he should be charged with selling blue pills (little blue counterfeit oxycontin pills) and didn’t know what was in them.
During cross-examination in court, Walter said he had never met Miller and was unaware of Petitt’s plans with pills.
Sentencing for the suspect may include 20 years in federal imprisonment, a lifetime of supervised release, a $1 million fine, and other court fees for distributing a controlled substance. Walter, Reaves, and Pettite are all scheduled to stand trial next year.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
by Jonathan P-Wright | Dec 9, 2021 | Latest, Social Justice |
After almost one year, the former Franklin County sheriff’s deputy, Jason Meade, is finally being charged for shooting Casey Goodson Jr. brutally. He was accused of two murders and one reckless homicide.
Goodson’s mother expressed to the media earlier on Thursday that she would be at ease when Meade would be punished for his crime. However, she is content that it is eventually happening.
According to REVOLT, Meade shot Goodson while working with a US Marshall Southern Ohio Fugitive Task. Although he was not the target of their mission, the 23-year-old boy was killed outside Goodson’s grandmother’s house in Columbus on 4th Dec 2020.
In March, Franklin County Coroner Dr Anahi Ortiz also confirmed that Goodson was struck by six bullets, five in the back and one in the buttock. The police department soon suspended Meade after the shooting. Later, he was retired in July.
The task force of the Franklin County sheriff could not provide any video evidence, as they didn’t wear any cameras on the mission.
Sheriff Dallas Baldwin says no one is guilty until proven. And he has told his staff their responsibilities in the justice system.
Balwin values society’s trust in them. Also, he has asked his officers to investigate investigation to keep their community and officers safe. He prays for everyone caught up in the tragedy.
Earlier, Baldwin said that their department would wait for the criminal investigation to complete. After the trial, a separate inquiry is pulled by the Department of Justice, FBI and Columbus Police Department Critical Incident Review Team.
This article was penned by Jonathan P. Wright. Jonathan is a freelance writer for multiple mainstream publications and CVO of RADIOPUSHERS. You can read more of his work by clicking here.
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