Black Lives Matter Birmingham calls for resignations of mayor, chief over fatal police shooting of Desmon Ray Jr.
Updated May 10, 2021;
Posted May 10, 2021
Black Lives Matter Birmingham, joined by a couple dozen of Desmon Montez Ray’s family and friends, voiced several demands at a press conference held in front of Birmingham City Hall May 10, 2021.
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Black Lives Matter Birmingham on Monday demanded the resignations of Mayor Randall Woodfin and police Chief Patrick Smith, saying their handling of the police killing of Desmon Montez Ray Jr. is unacceptable.
BLM, joined by a couple dozen of Ray’s family members and friends, voiced several demands at a press conference held in front of Birmingham City Hall. Though Smith last week released three videos – two of which were officers’ body-worn camera footage – the family and activists say they want all videos available to be released in their entirety and unedited.
‘We demand justice’: Emotional vigil held for man fatally shot by Birmingham police
Updated 9:51 PM;
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More than 100 people gathered just yards from where Desmon Ray Jr. was fatally shot by Birmingham police on Easter Sunday, remembering better times with the 28-year-old father of six and demanding answers in his death.
“It’s a very unfortunate reality that another mother, another father, have to bury their child with no explanation as to why,’ said Eric Hall, co-founder of Birmingham’s Black Lives Matter.
“It’s a very unfortunate reality. It’s one that we have endured far too many times. We’re calling for answers.”
By Erica Wright
The Birmingham TimesÂ
Desmon Ray Jr. had a big smile and even bigger heart, remembered family members during a candlelight vigil Thursday night for the 28-year-old killed in an officer-involved shooting on Easter Sunday.
âThat was my baby, he loved his mama, he loved his children, he loved everybody,â said LaShondra Wilson, Rayâs mother. âMy baby would come and get in the bed with me and make it known that he loved his mama. [He would] call and check on me day-to-day if he didnât see me⦠when Iâm at work, he would call me and ask if Iâm having a good day. I miss my baby. Justice is all I want, thatâs it, for my baby.â