The tragic incident of a 15-year-old boy's death at the hands of an Akron police officer on Thanksgiving night continues to unfold, with new developments regarding evidence and legal representation. Jazmir Tucker, a freshman at North High School in Akron, was shot by an officer after gunshots were heard in the vicinity of East Avenue and Vernon Odom Boulevard. The Cleveland.com reported that his family has now enlisted the representation of civil rights attorneys from The Cochran Firm, familiar with litigating allegations of police misconduct.
The body camera footage of the incident is set to be released, abiding by a 2021 law mandating the disclosure of such evidence within seven days after a use-of-force event. This move aims to surely offer transparency during the ongoing investigations by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Akron police. According to WKYC, this release is a crucial component in addressing the numerous questions Jazmir's family, represented by attorneys Michael Wright, Shean Williams, and Stanley Jackson, has regarding the circumstances of the shooting.
The night of November 28, as detailed by police, involved two officers in a cruiser who heard shots and then encountered the armed teen. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik extended his condolences, recognizing the loss's gravity for the family and the officers involved. "Every loss of life is a tragedy, and to lose a young life is heartbreaking. My condolences are with Jazmir’s loved ones tonight. My thoughts are also with our Akron police officers and their families," Mayor Malik stated, as detailed by Cleveland19.
In alignment with departmental policy, the two officers present during the shooting have been placed on paid administrative leave. The Akron Police also mentioned that the Office of Professional Standards and Accountability would conduct a separate internal investigation. As Mayor Malik indicated, the ultimate goal is for the BCI investigation to yield a full understanding of the tragic event. Further, Akron Public Schools acknowledged the deep-felt loss within their community and mobilized a Crisis Team to support those affected, as mentioned in a statement provided by WKYC.
