Los Angeles, CA—-Community members spilled outside an open room at the MLK Center for Public Health yesterday, to discuss the recent murder of 24-year-old Ryan Twyman by Los Angeles Sheriff’s deputies.
The shooting occurred at an apartment complex on 132nd and Wilmington Ave near the city of Compton, not too far from where last nights meeting was held.
The meeting was headed by Black Lives Matter Los Angeles and attended by various members of Twyman’s family, including his sisters and girlfriend, who is also the mother of his children.
Over 100 people, some who were still in their work clothes, came to show their discontent over the continual killings by police in the South Central, Watts and Compton areas.
The police who commit these murders, continue to not be prosecuted by Los Angeles District Attorney Jackie Lacey.
Since Lacey began her position as D.A, over 400 people have been killed by police in L.A and only one cop has been prosecuted.
It was noted by one community member, how Ryan Twyman’s death was overkill, reminiscent of how people shoot zombie targets on games such as Call of Duty Black Ops.
“Our community and kids do not deserve this.”
Both the mother of Wakiesha Wilson and Anthony “AJ” Weber were in attendance. They both shared chilling tales of losing their son and daughter at the hands of police and their journey of demanding justice and accountability.
Wakiesha Wilson died in police custody in 2016. Her mother was given the number to the coroners office and told to follow a prompt, before she was connected to someone told her that her only child was dead.
Her mother later found out that a police officer had been fired behind her daughters death.
In 2018, 16-year-old Anthony Weber was killed by Los Angeles Sheriffs deputies while outside during a super bowl party at his mothers apartment complex.
Members of the Civilian Oversight Committee were also in attendance at the meeting. The group is comprised of local volunteers of influence, including a Black woman who is a Loyola Marymount law professor.
Following Twyman’s death, the committee met with the Sheriffs department to inquire about protocols and procedures.
Many are calling into question when police approached Twyman’s vehicle, and how one Sheriff deputy opened the back door of Twyman’s vehicle with his weapon drawn.
Following last nights meeting, the Civilian Oversight Committee held a follow up meeting into Twyman’s death in DTLA this morning.
