For Immediate Realase- December 3, 2008

Contact: Kokayi Kwa Jitahidi (714) 612-0366

Candlelight Vigil to Oppose LAPD's Shooting of Dontaze Storey

Los Angeles -Dontaze Storey, a 29-year old unarmed Black man is the latest victim of LAPD's knee-jerk violence. He was senselessly shot and killed by Rampart Division officers on November 11th with bullets to his leg, chest, and mouth, while his pregnant fiancée and neighbors helplessly watched.

The police initially claimed that Dontaze was armed, but later stated that he had a cell phone that looked like a gun.

In response to this tragedy, family and friends of the victim will be holding a candlelight vigil on Monday, December 8th at 6 pm on the corner of New Hampshire Ave. and 3rd Street - the site of the killing.

The community is urged to join Dontaze's family in demanding that the LAPD, Sheriffs, and other law enforcement agencies change its use of force policy, desist in routinely brutalizing community residents, and prosecute officers who use excessive force. Organizers will also call on elected officials such as Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Los Angeles City Council, and the LA County Board of Supervisors to help stop the recent tide of police murders. "We need to stop the murder of residents by the Police. The only way we will do so is by organizing, changing laws, and giving the community more control over law enforcement," stated Atum Re Baker, Dontaze's uncle, "It's not about hating the police, it's about ending the murder of unarmed people."