PRESS STATEMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 10, 2019

Statement on Behalf of the Unarmed Teenager

We were surprised to learn that the shooting review board met this morning. We received no notice of the board’s meeting and were given no opportunity to speak to the Sheriff’s representatives and community leaders assembled to decide if the shooting of an unarmed and innocent black teenager in the back was justified. It is shocking that no one with intimate knowledge of the facts was invited to speak on the teen’s behalf, despite the Sheriff’s personal knowledge that the teen was represented by capable counsel. We do not consider this to be a transparent process.

Sadly, the decision is not surprising. Public records reveal that for the past five years, the Sheriff’s Office has justified the use of deadly force in every instance, no matter how shocking and tragic the outcomes. So long as this board continues to meet in secret, without transparency, and concealed from the victim’s representative, justice will never be served and HCSO law enforcement personnel will never be held accountable for unnecessary police shootings.

The innocent teen remains confined to his home, recovering mentally and physically from his injuries. He is forever paralyzed from the chest down. His entire life will never be the same. He remains appreciative of the community’s continued thoughts and prayers, and rightfully seeks justice for what has been done to him.

Michael T. Davis & Benedict P. Kuehne, Kuehne Davis Law, P.A. (305.789.5989 [email protected] [email protected])

Manuel J. Alvarez, Rywant, Alvarez, Jones, Russo & Guyton, P.A. (813.229.7007 [email protected]

Counsel for Unarmed Teenager Shot By Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office