Slain Black Teen’s Family Wants “An Independent Investigation” Into Officer-Involved Shooting

The family of a Black teen who was slain during an officer-involved shooting is calling for a “truly independent investigation” into whether or not the Aug. 3 shooting was justified.

Surveillance footage captured 19-year-old DeVon Bailey being gunned down by two white officers, who were chasing him after reports of a robbery. Colorado Springs police say Bailey was a suspect, and are maintaining their claim that Bailey allegedly reached for a weapon when officers approached him. 

The beginning of the footage is not seen, however; the video shows Bailey running from police officers. The video has no audio. Bailey’s father, Greg Bailey, shared his sentiments during a rally with members of the community. 

“I don’t want to make this about Black Lives Matter or anything, because all of our lives matter. I know everyone says my son was killed by a white cop and he’s a black man in the community. And yes, those are the facts, but that’s not what this is about. This is about what’s right is right and what’s wrong is wrong. What’s wrong is my son was shot in the back by law enforcement,” he said. “Until he’s prosecuted and given that guilty verdict, every man is innocent until proven guilty,” Greg added.

The Colorado Springs Police Department is expected to make the officers’ body camera footage available by the end of this week. El Paso County Sheriff’s Office expects to wrap up the investigation by then.