Jay-Z and Roc Nation’s affiliates Yo Gotti, Alicia Keys, Meek Mill, along with their attorneys, published an open letter to Georgia officials, demanding a speedy trial and the conviction of Travis and Gregory McMichael in the murder of Ahmuad Arbery.
“By now we have all seen the crime’s disturbing video, so the facts here are not in doubt,” the letter read. “He was unarmed and innocent and the victim of a hate crime.”
The letter calls for District Attorney Tom Durden to be recused from the case due to conflict of interest, as it pertains to Gregory Michael’s former employment as a police officer. The letter asked that Attorney General Christopher Carr be appointed as a special prosecutor to help achieve a fair trial. It also states that the neighbor who followed and filmed the incident should be charged as an armed accomplice.
“As a society we can no longer pretend that the racial inequities, which exist in every facet of our lives, don’t invariably lead down the path to poverty, violence and death,” the letter continued, adding, “To even think about breaking this cycle we need you to protect the process and preserve the fairness of the trial.”
Yo Gotti said in a statement, “We are all Ahmaud Arbery. Everyday activities should not end in death sentences. We must hold people responsible for their actions. Ahmaud Arbery was unarmed and innocent, and his killers must be brought to justice.”
25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery was jogging in the neighborhood on February 23 when Travis and Gregory McMichael stalked and killed him.
However, It took 74-days and a leaked video of the incident before the father and son duo were arrested, and charges were filed.
”If anybody saw that horrifying video of his killing, it is heartbreaking, unbelievably unacceptable and inhumane,” Alicia Keys said in a statement to the Associated Press. “No human being should be murdered and not receive justice. I have black sons, and they should be able to go on a jog or anywhere they want without the risk of being killed.”
