FORT LAUDERDALE — The family of Corey Lamar Jones is still struggling.
The family wants to know why officer Nouman Raja has yet to be charged in Corey’s death.
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It’s been five months since Corey was shot and killed by a Palm Beach Gardens police officer. Jones was on the exit ramp of I-95 at PGA Boulevard in the early morning hours back in October 2015 while waiting for a tow truck when he was shot and killed by officer Raja.
Saturday morning, Jones’ family, friends, legal experts and community leaders gathered at Fort Lauderdale Church of God in Christ to remember Corey, in the ‘Stand With Me Memorial.’
A panel of legal experts and community leaders was on hand to explain to the family, that as painful as it may be, that may never happen. Those experts include Jennito Simon, a Criminal Defense Attorney; Derrick McCray, community activist and co-founder of Black Votes Matter; George Odom Jr., Public Defender; Kweku Darfoor, one of the attorneys for the Corey Jones family and a personal friend of Corey; and Willie Jones, a candidate for Broward County Sheriff.
The event was moderated by Amanda Clinton.
A special tribute and drum dedication was done by nine-year-old M’icai Pool, Corey Jones’ nephew. Corey, according to family members, was very instrumental in teaching this youngster how to play the drums. Also in attendance, Corey Jones’ mother and father Mr. & Mrs. Clinton Jones, Sr.
The morning started shortly after 10 a.m. with a wonderful tribute to Corey followed by a panel discussion.
Panel discussion topics included the following:
- Police use of excessive force
- Community policing
- Legal rights when stopped by police
- Avoiding police encounters
- Electing public officials (Black Votes Matter)
One of the most emotional moments of the morning was when Corey Jones’s oldest sister Chandra Peebles Jones addressed the panel. Jones was overtaken by emotions as she explained how the death of her brother continues to be extremely painful for her family.
Posted by Hey, Sandy PR & Communications on Saturday, March 19, 2016