October 15th 2024.
On a Monday night, a group of more than two dozen people gathered outside the Aurora Municipal Center to protest against the decision made by Arapahoe County District Attorney John Kellner. The group consisted of friends, family members, and activists who were all united in their belief that Officer Michael Dieck of the Aurora Police Department should face charges for fatally shooting Kilyn Lewis.
LaRonda Jones, Lewis' mother, expressed her disappointment in Kellner's decision to announce it through the media rather than directly to the family. She made it clear that this was not the end for them and they would continue to fight for justice for her son. Standing in front of the Municipal Center, she declared, "We will not give up. We will not stop until we see justice for my son, and we will use all our strength to do so."
The incident in question occurred on May 23, when Lewis was being surveilled by both Aurora and Denver police for two days before they attempted to arrest him on suspicion of attempted murder. Kellner's decision letter mentioned that Lewis had reached into his back pocket during the encounter, which made Officer Dieck believe his life was in danger, justifying the use of force. However, it was later revealed that Lewis was only holding a phone and some fruit snacks.
Organizer Auon'tai Anderson expressed their lack of surprise at Kellner's decision, stating that the system had once again failed to value Black lives. "For 144 days, this family has been waiting for answers, and the answer is that the person responsible for Kilyn Lewis' death gets to go back to work," Anderson said. It was clear that the community was frustrated and angry at yet another instance of police violence against a person of color.
During the rally, Jones spoke passionately in defense of her son's character, emphasizing that he was a good man who did not deserve to die in such a manner. She also called out anyone who might believe the negative narrative being portrayed about her son, saying, "If you believe any of that, then shame on you." Robert Lewis, Kilyn's father, echoed the sentiment, describing his son as loving and kind and stating that he did not deserve to die in this manner.
The family was not alone in their fight for justice. Alexander Landau, the Executive Director of the Denver Justice Project, condemned Kellner's decision as "state-sanctioned violence" and called for him to be held accountable for perpetuating this cycle of violence within the Aurora Police Department. Jones also urged community members to stand with them and demand change, not just for Kilyn but for all those who have been victims of police brutality.
In the end, the rally was a powerful display of unity and determination to bring about change and hold those in positions of power accountable for their actions. As the family and their supporters continue to fight for justice, they hope that their voices will be heard and that no other family will have to suffer the pain of losing a loved one to police violence.
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