Wells Fargo: “no role in initiating the complaint”

Preliminary exams held in violation of Michigan Court Rule

Investigator Jones lied in request for warrant

Sentencing set for Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. in front of Judge Michael Hathaway

By Diane Bukowski

Jan.11, 2016

FREE THE STAFFORDS! Community advocates Clifford and  Mary Ann Stafford.

DETROIT – Wells Fargo Bank had no role in initiating a criminal prosecution against community anti-foreclosure advocates Clifford and Mary Stafford, according to an official statement provided to VOD.

But Wayne County Deed Fraud Task Force Investigator Mary Williams-Jones and Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Douglas listed them as the  COMPLAINANT in a case involving a 2007 predatory mortgage loan from Wells Fargo Bank for a Belleville, Michigan property at 13236 Nautica.

The couple faces sentencing Wed. Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. in front of Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hathaway, with Mrs. Stafford subject to 15 years in prison. A jury convicted her of “False Pretenses over $20,000” a felony, and “Obstruction of Justice,” a misdemeanor, while her husband was convicted only of the second charge.

James Hines, Wells Fargo : WF did NOT initiate complaint vs. Staffords

“We foreclosed on the property and conveyed it to Fannie Mae in 2011, which ended our involvement in the matter,” Wells Fargo Bank representative James Hines told VOD in an official statement emailed Jan. 5. “While we complied with a subpoena related to the recent criminal prosecution, we have no additional information about that case and had no role in initiating the complaint.”

Hines is the Assistant Vice President, Consumer Lending Communications, for Wells Fargo at its Wacker Drive, Chicago address.

The Staffords’ attorneys Patrick McQueeney and Steve Lockhart told them last week that the prosecution, which is working with the Wayne County Sheriff’s “Deed Fraud Task Force,” offered to recommend probation if they pled guilty and paid a total of $96,000 in restitution.

“Is this a racket for the Deed Fraud Unit?”

Attorney F. Anthony Lubkin

“It’s odd that the deed fraud unit would seek restitution when Wells Fargo said they sought none,” Clifford Stafford’s previous attorney F. Anthony Lubkin noted.  “Is this a racket for the deed fraud unit to force money from defendants uninvolved in document irregularities?”

Wayne County has a huge budget deficit, due to bank debts incurred for extensive cost overruns in the doomed county jail project, and from the exorbitant costs of purchasing the Guardian Building to replace the County’s historic headquarters on Randolph.

Citing the deficit, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder has put the County under state oversight using Public Act 436, the “dictator’s act.” Under a “consent agreement,” the state granted Wayne County Executive Warren Evans the powers of an emergency manager.

Neither Wayne County, nor the city of Detroit, nor the State of Michigan has ever sought restitution from Wells Fargo and other global banks for the tidal wave of foreclosures based on predatory lending which devastated neighborhoods throughout Detroit and other cities, and led to the 2008 global economic collapse.

Protesters against county tax foreclosures block street outside 400 Monroe, where Deed Fraud unit is located.

Instead, the County has sought to patch up the deficit with the most massive tax foreclosures in history.

And the County’s Deed Fraud Task Force sent plainclothes sheriffs to the Staffords’ modest home on Detroit’s northwest side to arrest Clifford Stafford Jan. 19, 2015.

Stafford said they showed him no warrant and did not tell him what the charges were. He was brought before Judge Linda Mack, who he said ordered him not to contact Wells Fargo.

Sheriffs returned to their home June 17, 2015 to arrest his wife, but he would not admit them. Mrs. Stafford turned herself in the next day with her attorney.

In a recommendation for a warrant dated Oct. 9, 2013, Investigator Mary Williams-Jones, of the Deed Fraud unit, listed Wells Fargo in Denver, CO, as the COMPLAINANT.

Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Douglas signed a Felony Information dated 9/27/2013 related to both Staffords and a third party, Trenise Wyldon, over Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s printed name, listing Wells Fargo as the Complainant/Victim. 

Judge Ronald Giles bound Staffords over in violation of state court rule.

Prosecution, Judge Giles violated Michigan Court Rule in Staffords’ exams 

Michigan Court Rule 6.112 (B) says “Unless the defendant is a fugitive from justice, the prosecutor may not file an information until the defendant has had or waives a preliminary examination.”

Although the information was filed 9/27/2013, Judge Giles held Clifford Stafford’s preliminary exam from Feb. 6 through Feb. 10, 2015, while he held Mary Stafford’s from July 1 to July 27, 2015.

Shouldn’t Giles have peremptorily dismissed the case?

“In March 2015, I filed a motion to quash bindover citing lack of evidence,” Attorney Lubkin said in part. “Judge Hathaway agreed and ordered REMAND [to Judge Giles] on April 30, insisting we needed more evidence, that what had been presented at preliminary exam in February had been inadequate, that we needed to hear from Trenise Wyldon (the ultimate wrongdoer who had been convicted of fraud in the loan application on this property, then mysteriously released in plea deal), and that without this, evidence was lacking.”

Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hathaway speaks from the bench Friday Jan. 4, 2013 in Detroit. Photo: Detroit News

But the lower court defied Judge Hathaway’s order and produced no new evidence. Judge Hathaway gave the prosecutor until June 4 to provide a supplemental preliminary exam and/or new evidence and then extended that time for 90 days.”

After the 90 days, Lubkin said, he filed an “extensive new updated motion to quash.” He reported that Hathaway said again on Sept. 2 that he was inclined to dismiss the charges, but then inexplicably changed his mind Sept. 8 and denied the motion, setting a trial date.

Hathaway most recently gained fame (or notoriety according to one’s point of view), for snatching the trial of anti-water shutoff protesters “The Homrich 9” from the 36th District courtroom of Judge Ruth Ann Garrett before the jury could reach what was likely to be a “not guilty” verdict, at the request of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan’s representatives, Corporation Counsel Melvin “Butch” Hollowell and his top assistant Doug Baker. They conducted an ex parte conference in front of the judge without the knowledge of attorneys for the defendants, who included Marian Kramer of Michigan Welfare Rights, and Rev. Bill Wylie Kellerman.

Judge Hathaway asked expert witness if he thought Staffords were guilty

Expert defense witness Richard Woonton, who testified to massive irregularities in the Wells Fargo transaction, told VOD of an incident that if exposed, likely would have caused a mistrial. He said Judge Hathaway met privately with him and Clifford Stafford’s attorney McQueeney during the trial.

“He asked me whether I believed the Staffords were guilty,” Woonton said. “I was shocked. I did not even know the Staffords before this trial.”

Woonton said he told Judge Hathaway that he believed the Staffords were not guilty of at least of the “false pretenses” felony based on his review of the Wells Fargo file. The Wells Fargo mortgage of $395,000 was negotiated by the short-lived Reliant Title, owned by Kevin and Valerie Kauth, on behalf of Trenise Wyldon, who was charged with “filing a false claim for credit,” as a co-defendant of the Staffords. Her charges were later dismissed.

Protest against Wells Fargo, which holds 40 percent of home loans in the U.S.

Woonton said that Hathaway then raised the issue of “aiding and abetting.” In his jury instructions, Hathaway later told the jury they could find the Staffords guilty if they believed they had “aided and abetted” other unnamed parties in a criminal action.

The trial included extensive testimony about likely criminal actions by Wells Fargo, including the predatory $395,000 “liar’s loan” granted to Wyldon Dec. 5, 2007, based in part on her false statement that she made $10,000 a month working for Private Consumer Consulting Services, LLC, with no back-up documentation. PCCS, whose resident agent is Clifford Stafford, did not even exist as a corporation until Feb. 15, 2008, according to documents on file with the State of Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG).

Tim Lockwood, Wells Fargo Fraud Manager

Such “liar’s loans,” a/k/a “stated income loans,” were common during the mortgage lending frenzy that led to the economic collapse of 2008.

Tim Lockwood, Wells Fargo’s Financial Fraud Manager, testified during the trial under subpoena that the bank relies on the title company, in this case Reliant Title, owned by Kevin Kauth, to verify the true owner of the property and prepare the documents and other statements needed for the loans.

He said that Wells Fargo had no copy in its file of the Warranty Deed from PCCS to Trenise Wyldon. However, according to the  Wayne County Register of Deeds mortgage listing for the Nautica address, Wells Fargo Bank granted a mortgage of $375,250  to Emmett and Trenise Wyldon on 12/5/07, and recorded it 3/10/2008. Wells Fargo Bank, located at 1000 Blue Gentian Rd. in Eagan, MN, is  listed as the returnee for documents related to the mortgage. Those should have included the alleged Warranty Deed signing the property over from PCCS to Trenise Wyldon.

(See https://www.waynecountylandrecords.com/recorder/eagleweb/viewDoc.jsp?node=DOCCL-32595599).

NO ORIGINAL COPY OF THE ALLEGED DEED HAS EVER BEEN PRODUCED BY ANY PARTIES IN THIS CASE.

Investigator Jones’ request for warrant contradicts her written interviews with parties

Fraud Task Force Investigator Mary Williams-Jones, formerly a Detroit police lieutenant.

In addition to both Wyldons and the Kauths, other parties involved in the deal and possibly guilty of crimes were never called either by the prosecution or defense to testify at trial.

They included Glen Boggess, president of NOVA 2000,  which acted as the broker in the Nautica deal, and its DBA Loan Origination Concepts, and Wyldon’s husband at the time, Emmett Wyldon.

Jones wrote in her warrant request, “On December 5, 2007, the Stafford’s through their Company Private Consumer Consulting Services purchased 13236 Nautica Dr, Belleville, from Donnie & Joann Carlton for $312,000.00. Title Partners was utilized for the sell (sic).”

However, Jones’ written interview with JoAnn Carlton included the following:

“Q) Who did you sell the property at 13236 Nautica Drive, Belleville MI to?

A) My paperwork from the sell (another sic) shows it was sold to Private Consumer Consulting Co. But the paperwork was sent to us by NOVA 2000, Inc. in Jan. 2007. The papers state “Loan Origination Contract to buy.”

Carlton told Jones that she had never heard of the other parties in the case, including the Staffords. She said she did remember the name “Mary Ann Stafford” appearing on “one of the documents in the deal,” a water escrow agreement. Stafford’s signature does not appear on the first of two copies of that agreement. Mrs. Stafford has repeatedly contended her name was forged on documents, including a Dec. 5, 2007 “Warranty Deed” turning the home over to Trenise Wyldon, used to obtain the Wells Fargo mortgage.

Valerie and Kevin Kauth, owners of the now-defunct Reliant Title.

Valerie Kauth, wife of Kevin Kauth of Reliant Title, who appears as notary on that deed, testified during the preliminary exam that was not her signature, that she allowed another woman to use her notary stamp and sign her name. Differences in Kauth’s signatures on various discovery documents are readily apparent.

Assistant Prosecutor Jennifer Douglas repeatedly used a copy of that deed against Mary Ann Stafford, but never requested a handwriting analysis of Kauth’s signature as she did of Mrs. Staffords’ signature.

Why did Giles not direct prosecution of Valerie Kauth for notary fraud, in the illegal use of her notary stamp and forgery of her signature?

Carlton faxed other documents to Jones including a “Contract to Purchase” the Nautica home through Jack Christenson Realtors, signed by Avis Washington as purchaser for NOVA2000, and dated Sept. 18, 2007. Washington testified at the trial that she worked for Glen Boggess, President of  NOVA2000, the broker, its DBA Loan Origination Concepts, and Reliant Title Agency at the same time. Joint employment by a broker and a title agency on the same deal is illegal.

Why did neither Judge Giles nor Judge Hathaway order her prosecution?

Avis Washington and Glen P. Boggess, Jr.

In his written statement to Jones, Boggess said NOVA2000 had no physical address. He said he had “no real relationship” with the Staffords “other than working with one of my loan officers on their project’s possibilities.” He said regarding PCCS, “Went to a meeting once with Avis for Cliff. He spoke of helping people remain (keep) their homes.”

He said he did not actually see Mary Stafford sign the Warranty Deed handing over the Nautica home from PCCS to Trenise Wyldon.

Emmett Wyldon, Trenise Wyldon’s husband at the time, gave Jones a written statement listing his address as 13236 Nautica, Belleville, MI. He is also listed along with Trenise Wyldon as a party in a $375, 250 mortgage with Grantee Wells Fargo for that address, and in later foreclosures, redemptions, and a final Sheriff’s Deed on the property.

The disputed property:
13236 Nautica, Belleville, MI.

He told Jones he “hardly knew” PCCS, that his wife “might have been employed” by them, but that “I don’t know” how much money she made. Regarding the closing for the alleged transfer of the property to his wife, he said “I think I was there.” He said Mary Stafford signed documents in front of him, but did not say which documents. He also said he did not know where his wife got a down payment for the property.

“I don’t know, we never had $23,140 in our bank account,” he told Jones. Other testimony at the trial indicated that Reliant Title illegally gave a check for the down payment to Trenise Wyldon.

Why did Judge Hathaway not order the prosecution of both Kevin and Valerie Kauth for this criminal act?

Defendants filing pre-sentencing motions

The Staffords plan to file motions prior to their sentencing Jan. 13, including one for a “Ginther hearing” on ineffective assistance of counsel, and a motion for a new trial (judgment notwithstanding the verdict) due to insufficient evidence against them.

Attorney Patrick McQueeney

Attorney Steve Lockhart

Earlier, they sent letters to their defense attorneys Patrick McQueeney and Steve Lockhart requesting that postconviction motions be filed.

Michigan Court Rule 6.005 (H)(4) says, “Unless an appellate lawyer has been appointed or retained, or if retained trial counsel withdraws, the trial lawyer who represents the defendant is responsible for filing postconviction motions the lawyer deems appropriate, including motions for new trial, for a directed verdict of acquittal, to withdraw plea, or for resentencing.

Letters sent by the Staffords can be read at

http://voiceofdetroit.net/wp-content/uploads/LETTER-FROM-MARY-ANN-STAFFORD-TO-ATTY-STEVE-LOCKHART.pdf   and

http://voiceofdetroit.net/wp-content/uploads/LETTER-FROM-CLIFFORD-STAFFORD-TO-ATTY-PATRICK-MCQUEENEY-1.pdf

However, both defense attorneys refused to file any postconviction motions whatsoever, instead  proferring the prosecution’s plea deal for probation and fines of $48,000 each.

Attorney Lockhart previously served as a 36th District Court magistrate for 10 years, but was fired in 2013.

Fox 2 News reported, “Sources tell Fox 2 a woman appeared in his courtroom Friday who owed nearly $4,000 in fines. Lockhart ordered she be held in Wayne County Jail on a $2,000 bond. Her attorney told Lockhart she was three months pregnant, was having problems with the pregnancy and didn’t have a job so she couldn’t make bond. Lockhart’s response implied she and her baby would then die in jail.”

Mrs. Stafford told VOD that Lockhart, who was appointed to defend her by his former fellow judge at 36th District, Ronald Giles, told her from the beginning he believed she was guilty. He said she should admit that she was just doing what her husband told her to do, and asked what she did with the $312,500 mortgage originally used to purchase the property.

Expert witness Woonton testified at the trial  that the Wells Fargo mortgage on the Nautica paid off that Bank of America mortgage, which had also been written to Trenise Wyldon, not Stafford.

Related stories:

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/12/19/whos-guilty-of-detroit-mortgage-fraud-not-wells-fargo-but-community-advocates-says-county/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/12/02/judge-michael-hathaway-seizes-water-protest-verdict-from-black-detroit-jury-halts-trial/

http://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/7635/intemperate_words_to_pregnant_defendant_cost_detroit_magistrate_his_job#.VpU6ts9IjIU

Video above by New Era Detroit. See more about NED at the following links:

http://neweradetroit.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NewEraDetroit/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/09/13/new-era-detroit-youth-organizing-in-largest-black-majority-city-in-u-s/

PHOTO MONTAGE FROM NEW ERA DETROIT’S FACEBOOK PAGE.

WHEN A CHILD DIES……..

© ’15 Mumia Abu-Jamal [12/28/15]

Political prisoner Mumia Abu Jamal with son in earlier years.

NEWS BREAK: Cleveland officials announce no charges to be filed in the police killing of 12-year old Tamir Rice.

There is something shattering about the death -the killing – of a child.

When a child dies, the natural order is torn; the stars weep, and the earth quakes.

We have become so accustomed to this system that we suppose it is natural, instead of a human imposition. Politicians, in the pocket of so-called police unions, bow before bags of silver, and blink away the death of a child; especially if a Black child.

Tamir Rice, 12

What man-made institution is more precious than a child?

What job?

What so-called profession?   What office?  What state?

When a child dies, adults don’t deserve to breathe their stolen air.

Aiyana Jones, 7, dad Charles Jones.

When a child dies, the living must not rest until they have purged the poison that dared harm such a one.

When a child dies, time runs backward and attempts to right such a wrong.

This should inspire movements worldwide, to fight like never before.

Terrance Kellom, 19

For something vile has happened before our eyes.

A child has been killed; and in America, because it’s a Black child, it means next to nothing.

–© ’15 maj

Michaelangelo and Makiah Jackson, 6 and 3

Kimoni Davis, 19

Ian May, 18

Lamar Grable, 20

Related stories:

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/12/29/tamir-rice-grand-jury-no-charges-whole-u-s-criminal-justice-system-must-be-abolished/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/05/16/rest-in-paradise-aiyana-stanley-jones-you-will-be-in-our-hearts-forever-sign-petition-to-pres-obama/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/08/21/no-justice-for-young-detroit-dad-terrance-kellom-worthy-refuses-to-prosecute-killer-cops-again/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/10/22/a-voice-for-kimoni-kodak-davis-19-killed-in-high-speed-chase-by-white-ohio-cop-damon-caruso-24/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/07/18/witnesses-to-chase-that-killed-2-children-contradict-detroit-cops-testimony-after-exam/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2012/05/12/ian-may-death-vigilante-justice-at-work/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/05/10/mothers-march-in-dc-vs-police-killings-vod-honors-local-mothers-who-lost-fight-for-children/

Davontae Sanford, 14 when framed up

Anthony Clark Reed, 24, died during police stop

Maryanne Godboldo fought for daughter, 13.

Mailauni Williams; mother battling CPS

Posted by Mertilla Jones, grandmother of Aiyana.

Video above by VOD videojournalist Kenneth Snodgrass

Family: Dearborn Police Murdered Kevin Matthews

“Shoot ‘em down, we will shut you down!”

Other Blacks killed by Dearborn cops: Frederick Finley, Ernest Griglen, Iman Luqman Abdullah

Jackson, MS Councilman Stokes: “rocks, bottles, bricks” to keep white suburban police out of Black city

Editorial: problems in Detroit’s movement vs. killings by police

By Diane Bukowski

January 6, 2015

Kevin Matthews’ family gathers for march; mother Valerie Johnson, 3rd from left, brother Lavell Matthews, center, sister Kimberly Matthews 2nd from right. They are wearing hoodies proclaiming, “DEARBORN POLICE MURDERED KEVIN MATTHEWS!”

Dearborn, MI—Led by the family of Kevin Matthews, 35, slaughtered by a white Dearborn cop Dec. 23, hundreds blocked streets in Dearborn for two hours Jan. 4. VOD videographer Kenneth Snodgrass raised the chant of “Boycott Dearborn” during a rally at the end on the march on Michigan Avenue across from the Dearborn police station. It was taken up by the crowd and then by the Matthews family and march sponsors.

Kevin Matthews’ family member.

Marchers shouted “Shoot ‘em down, we will shut you down!” during the progress of the march and “Release the cop’s name!”

A breakaway group called out “Freedom, freedom—racist killer police—we don’t need ‘em need ‘em,” as they blocked traffic from Greenfield onto Michigan at the end of the march. They later invaded the Kroger’s store at the intersection, and continued their chants.

Kevin Matthews’ family, including his mother Valerie Johnson, sisters Kimberly and Karen Matthews, and brother Lavell Matthews, joined dozens of other relatives to lead the march, called by the Michigan Chapter of the National Action Network.

“Dearborn Police Murdered Kevin Matthews”

Wearing sweatshirts declaring, “Dearborn Police Murdered Kevin Matthews,” they demanded charges be brought against the cop who slaughtered their loved one.

Kevin Matthews last words, to killer cop: STOP IT! Family Facebook photo

“We want justice and we are going to fight this all the way,” Matthews’s sister Karen said at a press conference Christmas Eve. We are not going to let my brother die in vain.”

His brother Lavell added, “Something is going to happen because I’m never defeated. They took my brother who was harmless and they shot him like a dog.”

The Detroit police have said they are investigating, but Detroit police chief James Craig has issued no statement on the matter. Both Detroit and Dearborn police have refused to release the cop’s name, while continuing to besmirch Matthews’ name with unfounded reports.

The cop, who had been on the Dearborn force for five years, crossed the border from Dearborn into Detroit, chased Matthews on foot out of range of his car’s dashcam video, then shot him at least six times to death in the backyard of a home on Whitcomb near Greenfield and Tireman.

The mainstream media has reported, as in the Channel 7 video below, first that Matthews had a record of minor misdemeanors and/or warrant, then that he committed an alleged “larceny” they said he committed the day of his death, with no details provided.

“Stop it! Stop it!”—Kevin Matthews before execution

Protester at march.

Neither police force has given a reason for chasing an unarmed man related to alleged misdemeanors. They have claimed Matthews struggled to get the cop’s gun.

“The standard cover police use is ‘He went for my gun, I feared for my life.’ Was the chase [for alleged misdemeanors] even necessary?” Sam Riddle, Michigan Political Director of the National Action Network, told MLive at the protest Jan. 4.

A neighbor whose yard is behind the home where Matthews died told the Detroit News he heard Matthews pleading, “Stop it, stop it,” after the cop pushed him into a backyard fence, before gunfire erupted in front of the home’s garage out of the neighbor’s view. Another neighbor told VOD that he heard the cop yell at Matthews, “Why are you running?”

Dearborn arrest rate for Blacks 26 times higher than for other races 

Statistics show that Black men have ample reason to run from Dearborn police. Residents near the border street of Tireman know to watch out for the police there, an apartment dweller on Tireman near Greenfield told VOD.

Marcher: Dearborn police murdered Kevin Matthews.

“More than half of the people Dearborn police arrested in 2011 and 2012 were Black, according to reports they submitted to the FBI,” Brad Heath of USA Today reported last year. “By comparison, about 4% of the city’s residents are Black, as are about a quarter of the people who live in Metropolitan Detroit. Over those two years, the department reported arresting 4,500 black people – 500 more than lived in the city. As a result, the arrest rate for Blacks, compared with the city’s population, was 26 times higher than for people of other races.”

Dearborn was founded by Nazi sympathizer Henry Ford I as a bedroom community for white Ford autoworkers, while neighboring Inkster was planned to house Black autoworkers migrating from the South.

Blacks murdered since 2000 by Dearborn law enforcement include Kevin Matthews, Frederick Finley, Ernest Griglen, Imam Luqman Abdullah

Marchers remembered Aiyana Jones, 7, shot to death by Detroit police May 16, 2010.

The Detroit suburb has a long history of racist killings, assaults and arrests of Blacks. In 2000, security guards at Lord & Taylor’s in Dearborn’s Fairlane Mall choked Frederick Finley, a 32-year-old Detroit father of three, to death. They had pursued him for allegedly shoplifting $4 worth of merchandise.

Fredrick Finley, choked to death by Dearborn Fairlane Mall guards in 2000.

Ernest Griglen lingered in coma for months prior to his death after 2008 beating by Dearborn cops.

After a rally of 10,000 in the store’s parking lot, the National Action Network called for a boycott of the city’s businesses. Guard Dennis Richardson was charged with involuntary manslaughter, but the case was dismissed three times, by district, appeals, and the state Supreme Court.

On Father’s Day in 2008, according to Heath’s article, two Dearborn cops beat and killed Ernest Griglen, 59 and Black, a diabetic man on disability from the Detroit Public Schools. A witness said Dearborn cop Richard Michalski and another cop threw Griglen to the ground and, “just started hitting him, hitting him and kicking him. … They were beating him up.”

Imam Luqman Abdullah with grandson before 2009 execution by Dearborn police, FBI.

Terry Jones after 2012 beating by Dearborn cops, injured for life.

Griglen spent 11 months in a coma before dying in 2009, from bleeding in his brain, caused by “blunt force trauma,” according to the Wayne County Medical Examiner.

In 2009, Detroit police worked with Dearborn police and the FBI to assassinate Imam Luqman Abdullah, leader of a Black mosque on Detroit’s impoverished west side, shooting him 21 times inside a Dearborn warehouse. The U.S. Department of Justice, which oversees the FBI, unsurprisingly exonerated the killers.

VOD reported in its last story on the Kevin Matthews killing about the case of Terry Jones, another mentally challenged Black man, beaten severely and injured for life by Dearborn cops in

VOD Editorial: Time for militant fightback, not symbolism, collusion 

Dearborn cop gives Rev. Williams instructions on march route.

Rev. Charles Williams, the Michigan Chair of the National Action Network, promised during the Christmas Eve press conference that his group planned to shut Dearborn down Jan. 4 as protesters did in Chicago over the death of Laquan McDonald, 16.

However, the NAN march was directly coordinated with Dearborn police, unlike actions in Chicago, Baltimore, Ferguson, New York City, Oakland, CA, and elsewhere. A Dearborn officer was heard explaining the planned march route to Rev. Williams in the Kroger’s parking lot before it took off. Dearborn police conveniently blocked off traffic along the route, getting upset only when marchers veered from Michigan Avenue to the front of the Dearborn police station itself.

Protesters directly in front of Dearborn Police station block signs of pro-police supporters, who were allowed to stay afterwards.

There, marchers chanted militantly for 15 minutes, as white Dearborn cops began coming outside. Then alleged “activist” and former Detroit cop Tijuana Morris, and a man who identified himself as a member of the vigilante group the Detroit 300, herded the crowd away from the station to a platform set up by Williams a block away from the station.

Morris is seen in the Channel 7 video below going nose-t0-nose with an older woman protester who wanted to remain, threatening her. VOD has seen that protester, with her sign declaring, “Fight fire with fire,” at numerous demonstrations including marches against the police killing of 19-year-old father Terrance Kellom in June, 2015. Her photo at march is below the “Stop It! Stop It!” subtitle above. She remained and continued to shout out her outrage against the Dearborn cop murderer.

Morris then proceeded to parade up and down in front of the police station to chase others away, protecting the white cops who cowered inside.

The Detroit 300, originally founded by the late Angelo Henderson, Min. Malik Shabazz, and Raphael B. Johnson, have acted as enforcers FOR the police in Detroit and elsewhere. They have invaded poor Black neighborhoods searching for individuals wanted by the police, kicking doors down and intimidating witnesses. In one case, they even forcibly interrogated alleged women witnesses inside a Detroit police station. A witness has told VOD that many in the Detroit 300 are being paid through Detroit police sources.

Tijuana Morris protects racist cops.

Dearborn police cower inside station.

The Detroit 300 is used by the police and the media to focus attention on the city’s skyrocketing crime rate, and away from its causes, among them its skyrocketing poverty, unemployment, and homeless rates. The Detroit 300 and other such vigilante groups focus attention away from the real source of drug trafficking here and in other cities of color. That is the U.S. Government’s CIA and adjunct agencies, drug-money laundering banks like Wells Fargo, and further down the chain of command, the police themselves. (Read “Dark Alliance” by reporter Gary Webb, which exposes the CIA/Contra creation of the crack epidemic in the U.S. beginning in the 1970’s.)

JACKSON, MS. COUNCILMN STOKES: ROCKS, BRICKS, BOTTLES FOR COPS

Man from Detroit 300 laughs as he protects racist cops and pro-police demonstrators. Morris is seen at his left.

VOD asked the man who said he was from the Detroit 300 why they are going into the poor neighborhoods and kicking down doors, rather than confronting Detroit police at their headquarters, not only for trafficking drugs, but for countenancing police murders.

Detroit police have historically rallied to the defense of murdering cops like Larry Nevers and Walter Budzyn, who beat Malice Green to death in 1992, Eugene Brown, who killed Rodrick Carrington, Lamar Grable, and Derrick Miller in 1995, 1996, and 1999 respectively, Kevin Krupinski, who shot Errol Shaw, a deaf Detroit father holding a rake, to death in 2000, and the 18 cops including William Melendez who were indicted by the Federal government in 2003 for a years-long LA Ramparts-style rampage of assaults, frame-ups, threats and other crimes against poor residents of Detroit’s Third and Fourth Precincts.

Breakaway marchers stop Greenfield traffic at end of march. They later invaded Krogers, chanting “Freedom, freedom–killer police, we don’t need ’em, need ’em.”

Recently, Jackson, Mississippi City Councilman Kenneth Stokes called for the Black leadership of that city to mobilize the community against marauding suburban police forces, by using rocks, bottles and other equipment similar to that used by Palestinian youth against the Israeli military occupiers of their homeland. When is Detroit going to see leaders like Councilman Stokes? SEE VIDEO BELOW.

Related stories:

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/12/25/family-mourns-detroits-kevin-matthews-killed-by-white-dearborn-cop-natl-march-jan-4-2016/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/11/26/16shots-laquan-mcdonald-protests-shut-chicagos-magnificent-mile-on-black-friday/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/11/21/robocop-melendez-guilty-of-2-felonies-faces-15-yrs-remanded-to-jail-in-floyd-dent-beating/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2014/10/02/weekley-shot-aiyana-instantly-gun-at-head-grandmother-says-weekley-grabbed-raid-sgt-s-gun-after-shooting/

(numerous other VOD stories on Aiyana Jones, just put “Aiyana” in search engine at top).

Many young people turned out to demand charges against racist cop who murdered Kevin Matthews.

John Bacon, USA TODAY

 December 29, 2015

Kevin Matthews, 35, killed by white Dearborn cop Dec. 23, 2015.

(VOD notes that neither of Detroit’s local newspapers published the Tamir Rice story prominently; the Detroit News’ Stephen Henderson consigned it to an editorial. Perhaps they are afraid of the reaction that may be caused in the wake of the racist murder of Kevin Matthews, 35, by a white Dearborn cop Dec. 23.

Protests in addition to the press conference covered by VOD Dec. 24, calling for a national march on Dearborn Jan. 4, have been targeting the Dearborn police frequently in the meantime. See photo below of New Era Detroit demonstration. Also read NOI Min. Louis Farrakhan’s statement on the need to abolish the whole criminal justice system below story.)

For story above, see http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/12/25/family-mourns-detroits-kevin-matthews-killed-by-white-dearborn-cop-natl-march-jan-4-2016/

“We no longer trust the criminal justice system, which we view as corrupt” –statement from Tamir Rice’s family

Protests from Cleveland to New York City

Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan calls for abolition of entire U.S. criminal justice system

Tamir Rice, shot to death by Cleveland cops at the age of 12

CLEVELAND–A Cleveland grand jury declined Monday to bring charges in the death of Tamir Rice, a black youth, 12, with a toy gun who was shot by a white police officer 13 months ago.

“The outcome will not cheer anyone, nor should it,” Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty said. He blamed the shooting on a “perfect storm” of human error and miscommunication.

The case is one of a number around the country that has prompted protesters to assert their belief that black people are treated unfairly in the U.S. justice system. On Monday evening in New York’s Washington Square, in Greenwich Village, protesters gathered to voice their opposition to the decision.

Rice’s family members released a heartfelt statement Monday evening saying they were devastated.

Samaria Rice at site of son’s murder by Cleveland cops. Her 15-year-old daughter was thrown to the ground and put in the cop car when she tried to help Tamir.

“After this investigation, which took over a year to unfold, and Prosecutor McGinty’s mishandling of this case, we no longer trust the local criminal justice system, which we view as corrupt,” read the statement, which accused McGinty of sabotaging the case and behaving like a defense attorney for the police. “I don’t want my child to have died for nothing and I refuse to let his legacy or his name be ignored. We will continue to fight for justice for him, and for all families who must live with the pain that we live with.”

Such cases also have prompted members of law enforcement to say they are feeling targeted. Steve Loomis, president of the Police Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, in Cleveland, said officers there were feeling relieved. “It’s a great weight off their shoulders,” he said. “It’s been a year of some pretty serious name calling, some pretty serious charges, and that affects not only them but their families as well.”

Killer cop Frank Garmback

Killer cop Timothy Loehmann

The grand jury in the Rice case was asked to examine the actions of rookie officer Timothy Loehmann and his training officer Frank Garmback, who responded to a report about a man with a gun near a recreation center. A dispatcher did not tell them the caller thought it was probably a child with a fake gun.

Tamir, 12, likely meant to show the officers his gun was a toy that shot plastic pellets, but there was no way the officers could have known that when they confronted him on a snowy day in November 2014, McGinty said. He said the dispatcher’s failure to provide the information about the “fake gun” was key to the case.

McGinty said he agreed with the grand jury decision. 

Tamir Rice family members, including sister who cops assaulted when she tried to help her brother.

“The actions of officers Garmback and Loehmann were not criminal,” McGinty said. “The evidence did not indicate criminal conduct by police.”

The family of Tamir blasted McGinty in a statement, saying it was “saddened and disappointed… but not surprised” by the grand jury decision.

“It has been clear for months now that Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty was abusing and manipulating the grand jury process to orchestrate a vote against indictment,” the family said in a statement released by their lawyers. “Even though video shows the police shooting Tamir in less than one second, Prosecutor McGinty hired so-called expert witnesses to try to exonerate the officers and tell the grand jury their conduct was reasonable and justified .”

“The outcome will not cheer anyone, nor should it,” Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty said. He blamed the shooting on a “perfect storm” of human error and miscommunication.

Protest over Tamir Rice grand jury decision in NYC’s Washington Square

The case is one of a number around the country that has prompted protesters to assert their belief that black people are treated unfairly in the U.S. justice system. On Monday evening in New York’s Washington Square, in Greenwich Village, protesters gathered to voice their opposition to the decision.

Rice’s family members released a heartfelt statement Monday evening saying they were devastated.

“After this investigation, which took over a year to unfold, and Prosecutor McGinty’s mishandling of this case, we no longer trust the local criminal justice system, which we view as corrupt,” read the statement, which accused McGinty of sabotaging the case and behaving like a defense attorney for the police. “I don’t want my child to have died for nothing and I refuse to let his legacy or his name be ignored. We will continue to fight for justice for him, and for all families who must live with the pain that we live with.”

Tamir, 12, likely meant to show the officers his gun was a toy that shot plastic pellets, but there was no way the officers could have known that when they confronted him on a snowy day in November 2014, McGinty said. He said the dispatcher’s failure to provide the information about the “fake gun” was key to the case.

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson

Pros. Timothy McGInty

Mayor Frank Jackson said that now that the criminal process has concluded, an administrative review would no begin.

“I want to say to the family, to the mother in particular, that we are sorry for their loss, that we know that it has been a long process, but we do not intend to add to whatever anxiety or agony that they feel in terms of the process,” Jackson said. A committee that would include representatives from the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Office, the prosecutor’s office and members of the public would review grand jury evidence and make a recommendation, Police Chief Calvin Williams said. That process could end in some sort of punishment for the officers involved, said Williams, who also offered words of condolence to Tamir Rice’s family.

Gov. John Kasich called Tamir’s death a “heartbreaking tragedy.” But he urged the community not to “give in to anger and frustration and let it divide us.”

The case was one in a series of police shootings nationwide that prompted Black Lives Matter protests.

Cover to Tamir Rice funeral program

Loehmann has said he ordered Tamir to show them his hands. He said Tamir reached for his waistband and that he saw a gun and fired to protect himself and Garmback. McGinty said the evidence supported Loehmann’s explanation.

Two outside reviews requested by McGinty, from a retired FBI agent and a Denver prosecutor, determined Loehmann exercised a reasonable use of force because he had reason to perceive Tamir as a serious threat. Those were released in October.

Earlier this month, lawyers for Tamir’s family released their own report. It found that Tamir was not reaching for his waistband, and that the officers rolled up and shot Tamir so fast he had no time to hear or respond to any orders they gave.

The family on Monday reiterated it’s request that the Department of Justice investigate Tamir’s death.

“The way prosecutor McGinty has mishandled the grand jury process has compounded the grief of this family,” the statement said.

Tamir Rice protest in Cleveland Nov. 25, 2014.

MIN. FARRAKHAN: AMERICA’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM MUST BE ABOLISHED

By Richard B. Muhammad – Editor

Dec 17, 2015

NOI Min. Louis Farrakhan speaks on Black Chicago radio station Dec. 17, 2015.

CHICAGO—America’s corrupt criminal justice system cannot be reformed and faces divine destruction, said the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam on the Cliff Kelley Show, a popular Black talk program.

And everyone connected with hiding the truth and lying about the controversial shooting of a Black teenager in Chicago must be held accountable and concrete steps are demanded, not just talk, if they w

The destruction of the system is not only warranted but inevitable because God himself is bringing in a new system that will give justice to all, he told the radio show host and listeners.

Laquan McDonald, shot 16 times to death by Chicago cop Jason Van Dyke, since charged with murder after video released.

The discussion of justice arose Dec. 12 as the Minister answered questions about events in Chicago driven by the death of Laquan McDonald, a suspected cover-up by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, police officials, officers, state’s attorney Anita Alvarez, other entities and subsequent angry protests and demonstrations.

The problems in Chicago point to a need to do more than remove a mayor, police chief or state’s attorney, said Min. Farrakhan. What difference does it make to get rid of them and the system that produces them is still in place? asked Min. Farrakhan. “Who is man enough, who is strong enough to say that the system of justice in America is an injustice to the American people? It all should be destroyed and something new and better put in place. Because the system produces a McCarthy, an Alvarez and all that we have suffered under. We need a new system.”

Protesters march down Whitcomb in Detroit after murder of Kevin Matthews, 35, by white Dearborn cop.

Time and again people are replaced but the same compromises and the same problems arise because the system is no good, cleaning house must include getting rid of those unworthy to serve and changing a system that thwarts proper service, he said.

“The kind of way that Black men are being shot down—not only in Chicago—but in America tells me that there is a culture of violence against us that is now systemic because it is happening everywhere,” the Minister added.

Chicago’s mayor has been under intense scrutiny since video of the 17-year-old being shot 16 times by police officer Jason Van Dyke was made public because of a judge’s order. The officer has been charged with murder. Protests have been an almost daily occurrence at city hall, the state’s attorney’s office, police headquarters and downtown shopping and business districts. Former police superintendent Garry McCarthy has been fired and protestors have called for state’s attorney Alvarez and Mayor Emanuel to resign.

Kevin Matthews’ sister Karen and his family mourning at Detroit press conference Dec. 24, 2015.

There was a rush by the city to get money to the family of Laquan McDonald in an effort to keep the death quiet, the Minister said. The payment was made to avoid a trial with subpoenas and depositions from all involved in keeping what happened secret and those who lied saying the teen lunged at officers while video shows him walking away, said Min. Farrakhan.

Mario Woods, executed by San Francisco cops

A 26-year-old Black male was recently shot multiple times by officers in San Francisco, who blocked his way, the Minister noted. “See this is (a) hate crime because you don’t shoot an animal when you go out to hunt 25 times. … So this is hatred of us.”

Even police unions, who are the defense counsel for the police officers, don’t want to discipline “police officers who have killed somebody in wicked error. So now when you talk about getting rid of stuff, you’ve got to go all the way to the top, clean it all the way to the bottom. Otherwise Black people have no place in American jurisprudence.”

In response to a caller, the Minister explained that the destruction of the present system was underway.

However, he said, there is time between God’s decree and the total destruction of a nation facing divine judgement. Those who heed God’s call must work to be better and the Nation of Islam is part of ushering in the system that Master Fard Muhammad, founder of the Nation of Islam and powerful one prophesized of in scripture to deliver justice, will create.

Pres. Obama at constant war.

“When you take a person that you think is good and you vote them in to replace somebody that you believe was bad then the system turns that one,” the Minister said. Barack Obama went into the White House with the best thoughts to make America stronger and better in the world by changing foreign policy, but he ran into “forces,” he added. “Now he’s signing off on drones that are assassinating people and killing men, women and children. We didn’t vote him into office to do that. I say to all of us, it’s not them. It’s that system that is so corrupt and rotten to the core that there must be change— but real change. Otherwise putting a new mayor into the same old system you get the same results. Putting a new state’s attorney in to the same old system, putting the same city counselors in to the same old system—everything has got to change. Continue reading →

LeGrier and Jones Families Demand Answers From Chicago Police

LeGrier, 19, shot 7 times; Jones, 55, caught in line of fire

Dec 27, 2015

By KaiElz

Bettie Jones, 55, mother of five; Antonio LeGrier, 19, college student, dead at hands of Chicago cops.

CHICAGO — With all that has happened and all that has come to fore like the release of the videos  showing Laquan McDonald’s fatal shooting by white police, the Ronald Johnson fatal shooting by white police; the mishandling of Phillip Coleman by police, which led to his death, and then the acquittal of  police commander  Glenn Evans of all charges for allegedly shoving a gun down Ricky Williams’ throat, it seems that business continues as usual in Chicago.

Police have released few details about the December 26 shooting, saying in a statement, “11th District Harrison officers responded to a domestic disturbance on the 4700 block of West Erie St. Upon arrival, officers were confronted by a combative subject resulting in the discharging of the officer’s weapon, fatally wounding two individuals. The matter remains under investigation and all further inquiries can be directed to the Independent Police Review Authority.”

Melvin Jones, facing camera, hugs Robin Andrews, both brothers of Bettie Jones, 55, in Jones’ living room after she was shot and killed by a Chicago police officer.

On the morning the day after Christmas two families found themselves mourning the death of their loved ones, both shot by Chicago police officers after officers around 4:30 am responding to a call about a domestic disturbance shot and killed  19-year-old engineering student, Quintonio LeGrier and a 55-year-old Bettie Jones, mother of five.

Bettie Jones lived in the first-floor apartment with her boyfriend. She was the mother of four daughters and a son. The daughters are 38, 33 and 19-year old twins. The son is 30.

Police were offering few details of the early-morning shooting, the first use of lethal force by Chicago police since last month’s release of a video of Laquan McDonald’s death put a national spotlight on the city. The  shootings follow weeks of protests over the death of Laquan McDonald, which have put the spotlight on the Chicago Police Department and Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Chicago police officers talk with relatives of one of the two people killed by a police officer.

Officers were called to the home located on West Garfield Park around 4:30 a.m. The  police report states  a dispatcher related that a “male caller said someone is threatening his life. It’s also coming in as a domestic. The 19-year-old son is banging on his bedroom door with a baseball bat,” according to radio traffic.

The officers were “confronted by a combative subject resulting in the discharging of the officer’s weapon, fatally wounding two individuals,” the department said in a brief statement.

Family members of  Quintonio LeGrier, an honors student at Northern Illinois University said  he had been struggling with mental health issues recently.

According to Janet Cooksey, LeGrier’s  mother, she and his father had spoken about taking him to the hospital for re-evaluation  after the holidays.  She mentioned that he had been taking medication which seemed  make his behavior worse so she had suggested that he stop taking it.

Relatives weeping outside house where Quintonio LaGrier and Bettie Jones were shot to death by police.

Both families have said that Bettie Jones was a downstairs neighbor who had been asked by LeGrier’s father to keep an eye out for the arrival of the police.

No official statement by the police or any other  source has provided an account as to how both LeGrier and Jones came to be wounded by one of the officers in front of the  two-flat in the 4700 block of West Erie Street.

LeGrier’s father, Mr. LeGrier reported that his son had “emotional issues” that made him angry. He had made the call because his son acted agitated and was carrying an aluminum baseball bat. He believes the officer “messed up” and shot recklessly as his son came to the front door, hitting him several times and also striking Jones.

“I don’t feel that his life was worth losing because he got upset,” Antonio LeGrier said.

If this is true  questions have to be answered.  Did the victims demonstrate any reason to shoot them? Bettie Jones certainly had no weapon and Le Grier may or may not have been holding a bat but definitely no gun. Further, how close were the police to the two victims? Was there any verbal exchange?

Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin

Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin, who represents the district where the shooting occurred, said in a statement, “At this point, we are confronted with a series of unanswered and deeply troubling questions.  Why did the officers on the scene need to resort to the use of their firearms to subdue a young man with a bat? Why weren’t the officers equipped with tasers so that Quintonio could be subdued without lethal force? How, during an officer response, did a 55-year-old mother of five come to be struck dead by bullets?”

Antonio LeGrier, the victim’s father said the officer who shot his son was about 30 feet away. He said the officer told him Quintonio LeGrier lunged at him with the bat.

“In my opinion, he knew he had messed up. It was senseless,” Antonio LeGrier told the Sun-Times about the unnamed officer. “He knew he had shot, blindly, reckless into the doorway and now two people are dead because of it.”

Janet Cooksey with photo of her son, Quintonio LeGrier, 19, college student

Jones’ relatives believe she was behind LeGrier, near the entrance to her apartment, and was shot by mistake.  Jones’ daughter  says she was shot opening a door for officers.

Evelyn Glover Jennings, Jones’ cousin said of Bettie Jones, “She’s my first cousin; I want this investigation to be thorough. I want answers.”

Being smart and careful, the Police Department would not provide specifics regarding  where the victims were standing when they were shot, but blood could be seen in the small vestibule and just inside Jones’ apartment.  At least one bullet appeared to have traveled through Jones’ apartment, hitting at least two walls.

Jones’ daughter,  Latisha Jones, 19, was awakened by  gunfire, got up and found her mother on the floor of her apartment with a gunshot wound to the neck. “She wasn’t saying anything,” Jones said. “I had to keep checking for a pulse.” However she was still breathing.  Jones was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Chicago protesters have been shutting down streets on a nearly daily basis.

Janet Cooksey, LeGrier’s mother criticized how police handled the situation.  Confused as to why her son was shot 7 seven times she expressed that she thought that a little excessive.

“He’s gone, he’s gone. Seven times he was shot,” Cooksey said. “He didn’t have a gun. He had a bat. One or two times would have brought him down.

“I’m trying to be strong because I pray. But that’s my only child. And I’m hurting. I’m hurting real bad,” she said.

She noted that her son “had mental issues” but insisted they were no cause for how police reacted.

Students at Northern Illinois University, where LeGrier was studying engineering.

“They did tell me he was shot seven times. That’s a bit much. That’s a bit much,” she said. “I don’t take all of that. My son only weighed about 150 pounds. Why do you have to be shot that many times? Why? If the police are trained in the field, then how, they’re just handling the situation by killing people?”

Cooksey noted  that her son was no thug on the street but rather a  graduate  from Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy with honors. He was studying engineering at Northern Illinois University.  Cooksey said, “My son was going somewhere.”

The police officials said  investigators were waiting for the autopsy to determine how many times LeGrier was shot an that  investigators were looking into whether responding officers knew they were dealing with someone with mental health issues and whether anyone on the scene was equipped with a Taser. No gun was recovered at the scene.

First Chicago police shootings since massive marches protesting killing of LaQuan McDonald, shot 16 times.

Family members of  Bettie Jones  said they, too, have “so many questions and no answers.” Her brother, Melvin Jones  said, “Right now there’s a whole lot of anger, a whole lot of tears.

Melvin Jones explained that he and about 15 other relatives were at the apartment Friday to celebrate Christmas with food, family and card games.  He said that his sister had  an excellent Christmas.  “And then to wake up to this.

“You see it on the news and think that something needs to be done,” Melvin Jones said, referring to recent shootings by Chicago police. “It really hits you and it just leaves you numb. He added “I don’t have time to feel, I have a funeral to prepare.”

Bettie Jones’ youngest brother, Robin Andrews, who drove in from Milwaukee upon receiving the sad news,  said that Bettie had been battling ovarian cancer for several years and had recently taken time off at work to recuperate.

The family had thought that there was hope so the news of her death really hit them hard.

Chicago cops seriously wound young father, Mekel Lumpkin, 23

Scene of Mekel Lumpkin’s shooting Dec. 26 by Chicago cops.

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20151226/washington-heights/police-shoot-seriously-injure-man-washington-heights-saturday-reports

VIDEO BY CORNELL SQUIRES OF PRESS CONFERENCE DEC. 24, 2015

Cop crossed Detroit border, chased Matthews on foot, away from view of dashcam video, then shot him in a backyard.

 Neighbors say they heard at least six gunshots—Matthews was unarmed; ME says Matthews died of “multiple gunshot wounds”

 ‘No more unarmed Black men killed by police; let them police with their hands, not their guns’—Rev. Charles Williams II, National Action Network

‘We want justice and we are going to fight this all the way’—sister Karen Matthews

By Diane Bukowski and Cornell Squires

“A sweet man” — Kevin Matthews/Family photo

December 25, 2015

DETROIT – The family of Kevin Matthews, 35, gunned down by a white Dearborn cop on Dec. 23, wept in agony during a Christmas Eve press conference called by the Rev. Charles Williams II, Michigan chair of the National Action Network (NAN). Matthews’ mother and immediate family, and generations from infants to great-grandparents crowded the stage at Historic King Solomon Baptist Church in Detroit.

The cop, who Detroit police chief James Craig and Dearborn police chief Ronald Haddad have refused to name, followed the unarmed Matthews on foot across the Detroit border on Tireman, to a backyard on Whitcomb, out of sight of his police car’s dashcam video. Neighbors said they then heard six gunshots. The Wayne County Medical Examiner has now said that Matthews died of “multiple gunshot wounds.”

“We want justice and we are going to fight this all the way,” the family vowed. Williams announced that NAN and other organizations will hold a massive national rally in Dearborn Jan. 4, 2016.

William Melendez mug shot Nov. 19 at Wayne County Jail.

Floyd Dent points out “Robocop” Melendez in court during trial.

“We’re going to send Bill Melendez a letter,” Williams said, referring to the former Inkster cop now locked up in the Wayne County Jail, after his conviction of major felonies for a vicious assault Jan.31 on Detroit autoworker Floyd Dent. “We going to tell him—make room, there’s another one on the way.”

Matthews’ mother Valerie Johnson said, “My son was a good son, a good brother, he hurt nobody. He didn’t do anything wrong to anybody to deserve to die like this. I loved my son and he loved me. My son was on his way to see about me when he was shot down. He always had a smile on his face. He always would do anything he could for anybody, he would help anybody. I love him and I’m going to miss him. I’m going to miss my child.”

Tears streamed down Kimberly Matthews’ face. She was Kevin’s sister.

Kimberly Matthews speaks at press conference, calling her brother “the star of the family.” Her brother Lavell and mother Valerie Johnson are at her right.

“My brother was very loving, he was my closest sibling,” she said. “Every time I saw him he told me he loved me, and he would kiss me. We talked on the phone every day. He was a family-oriented person, the person in our family that made everybody laugh, that made everybody feel special. He is going to be a big loss. He was the star of this family, just the sweetest, loving, caring person. We want justice and we are going to fight this all the way. We are not going to let my brother die in vain.”

Is this the Dearborn cop who killed Matthews, appearing to explain action at scene of shooting?

Grimacing in pain, his brother Lavell Matthews added, “That was my brother; that was my brother. I loved him and he loved me back. I need justice. Something is going to happen because I’m never defeated. They took my brother and they shot him like a dog.”

His family said Matthews suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, for which he was on disability income, and that he had also been hit by a car Thanksgiving Day, breaking his arm and sustaining injuries to his head. They said his cast had just come off, but he still could not use his arm; his fingers remained clenched up.

“He was one of those folks in the community who was definitely a respected person,” Rev. Williams said. “Not only did they know him well, they knew his challenges well. Police officers on the Detroit side knew him also. When they saw him wandering, they would give him a ride to his mother’s house. It is concerning to me that the officer claimed he felt threatened. Not only did Kevin have a broken arm, but he was a very small guy.”

Grover Easterling, Jr. and Sierra Wither of national Organization for Black Struggle.

Numerous supporters attended the press conference, including Sierra Wither and Grover Easterling, Jr. of the national Organization for Black Struggle.

“This is a family that just lost a loved one who was differently abled,” Wither said. “Across the country, police are using mental illness in conjunction with Blackness to criminalize people.

Easterling added, “We need the officer’s name released. They let the victim’s minor police record be known before they even identified him.”

Bill Davis, President of the Detroit Active and Retired Employee Association (DAREA), said “Anytime somebody can be gunned down because they are not white, we are all affected. We just had 108,000 people in Flint poisoned by Governor Rick Snyder, who engineered the phony Detroit bankruptcy. The Department of Justice is sleeping at the wheel. If that had happened in any other country, we would be bombing them.”

Bill Davis, President of DAREA, at press conference.

The picture Rev. Williams and the family painted of Matthews contrasted greatly with the view that Matthews was a “troublesome criminal,” put forward by Detroit Police Chief James Craig and Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad.

Craig told reporters directly after the killing that there was “evidence of a struggle” in the backyard, and said they had one eyewitness. Haddad said Matthews had tried to take the cop’s gun, and that he supported his officer’s actions.

The Detroit Police Department works on numerous inter-agency task forces involving suburban police. One which also included the federal Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) was involved in the June 24 shooting death of Terrance Kellom, 19, in his father’s home on Evergreen near Joy Road, not far from the site of the Matthews shooting.

Terrance Kellom, killed by federal and Detroit police in his father’s home

Detroit police earlier worked directly with Dearborn police and the FBI to assassinate Imam Luqman Abdullah, shooting him 21 times, in October, 2009. The U.S. Department of Justice later exonerated the killers.

Craig, whose department allegedly has taken over the investigation, claimed Matthews was wanted on a a $2,500 misdemeanor warrant from Redford Township, while Haddad said he had a probation violation warrant from Redford Township.

No such warrants for Kevin Matthews are shown either on the state police ICHAT website, or in Wayne County Circuit Court online records. The ICHAT site does include numerous arrests of Matthews, nearly all with no subsequent judicial action. He served probation for 12 months for one misdemeanor case in 2013.

In any event, Matthews had never even been arrested for a felony, the only valid excuse the Dearborn cop might have had for chasing him. But as his family has said, he was constantly being harassed by police.

Backyard on Whitcomb north of Tireman where cop shot Kevin Matthews to death.

Other mainstream media is now reporting without foundation that Matthews may have just committed a larceny, recalling the police murder of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Media was quick to pounce on an earlier store video of Brown and a friend allegedly shoplifting. The cop who killed Brown, however, had no knowledge of that incident at the time.

Brown’s killing ignited fiery rebellions and protests across the country as police continued to shoot down hundreds more unarmed Black men in the ensuing months.

Ironically, two Black residents of southwest Detroit were talking to this reporter at the same time that Matthews was killed. They complained of racist practices by both Dearborn and Redford Township police, and detailed stories of illegal stops they had undergone only recently.

Protest against murder of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO.

One stop involved a Redford Township cop pulling one man over as he was driving his pick-up truck. The man repeatedly asked why he had been stopped, but the cop refused to explain, instead demanding his license and other papers. Finally he told the man he had stopped him for a barely visible chip in his windshield, which could not have been seen from even a short distance away.

He then claimed that Township police were looking for a vehicle and a driver fitting his description, the age-old story used by racist cops.

Terry Jerome Jones (l) with supporter; cousin Antoinette Austin (center) with attorney (r).

Antoinette Austin said she believes Dearborn and other white suburban police are targeting not only Black men, but differently-abled men as well. Austin’s cousin Terry J. Jones was diagnosed with schizo-affective disorder as a child, she said.

In 2011, while he was walking down a Dearborn sidewalk off Michigan Avenue getting some air, he was brutally beaten and nearly killed by Dearborn cops for no reason other than “walking while Black.”

“If the courts and the Justice Department had acted when Dearborn police beat my cousin Terry to the point where he might have died, Kevin Matthews might be alive today,” Austin said. “Terry is still undergoing numerous operations for the injuries he received. They tore his muscles from his tendons. Next week, he is going into surgery to repair his rotocuff.”

Dearborn police chief Ronald Haddad

Austin said Jones was slugged and knee-kicked in the head after cops threw him to the ground, using the “N” word, and then choked with a noose around his neck while he was handcuffed behind his back. They called for assistance from other cops in a dispatch terming it a “fun run.” They said he was probably a crackhead and continually insulted him.

The cops allegedly involved, who have  not been disciplined, are Cpl. Edward Doulette, Cpl. Chad McDonald, and Sgt. Edward Fries.

Then, she said, Dearborn courts and a public defender tried to get Jones to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for not suing the city, and also threatened to commit him to a mental hospital. (See video of Jones’ beating below).

“Terry refused absolutely to take any kind of deal and give up his rights,” she said. He was eventually completely exonerated of charges brought against him and is currently pursuing a civil lawsuit for damages in federal court. The City of Dearborn has moved to dismiss the lawsuit. The judge has extended the plaintiff’s time to answer to motion until Feb. 4, 2016, according to federal court files.

Jones’ case drew the attention of Detroit Channel 7’s Heather Catallo when she was working with the Local 7 Investigators. She followed it with a series of reports, running a police dashcam video of the assault to CODthe shock of the Dearborn police, Austin said. The police did not know they had obtained a copy of the video.

KEVIN MATTHEWS PRESS CONFERENCE Q & A PART TWO; VIDEO BY CORNELL SQUIRES

Related stories:

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/05/04/support-man-injured-for-life-by-dearborn-police-for-walking-while-black-tues-may-5-10-am/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/08/21/no-justice-for-young-detroit-dad-terrance-kellom-worthy-refuses-to-prosecute-killer-cops-again/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/06/20/detroit-rally-demands-charges-in-police-execution-of-19-yr-old-dad-terrance-kellom/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/05/09/coalition-confronts-i-c-e-demands-justice-in-terrance-kellom-killing-end-to-other-attacks/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/05/05/family-members-want-terrance-kelloms-autopsy-report-unsealed-funeral-announced-to-public/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/05/03/hundreds-comfort-terrance-kelloms-family-at-vigil-will-autopsy-show-both-feds-dpd-shot-him/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2015/04/30/police-assassination-of-terrance-kellom-19-detroit-chief-craig-feds-have-blood-on-hands/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2010/10/16/family-religious-and-civil-rights-leaders-outraged-after-doj-exonerates-imam-luqman-abdullah%e2%80%99s-killers/