Deon Kay was recently shot to death by a Washington DC (MPD) police officer. A video of the shooting is online. An investigation is underway. There have been several protests at police stations and other city offices, and a heavily-attended vigil in his honor was held.
Two memorials to him have been erected, one at the site of his slaying, and another a few blocks away, near his residence. Graffiti is also beginning to appear in other parts of the city.
From a DC Police report: "Agents from the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Internal Affairs Bureau are investigating an officer involved shooting that occurred on Wednesday, September 2, 2020, in the 200 block of Orange Street SE, Washington DC.
At approximately 3:51 pm, uniformed patrol officers of the Seventh District responded to the listed location to investigate a man with a gun. Upon arrival, officers encountered individuals in and around a vehicle. Upon seeing the officers, two of the suspects fled on foot. During the foot pursuit, one of the suspects brandished a firearm. In response, an officer discharged their firearm one time, striking the suspect. DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene and transported the suspect to an area hospital for treatment of life threatening injuries. After all life-saving efforts failed, the suspect was pronounced dead. The other suspect made good their escape and was not apprehended. The decedent has been identified as Deon Kay, 18, of Southeast DC. The decedent’s handgun was recovered.
Additionally, Marcyelle Smith, 19, of Southeast DC, was found to be in possession of a handgun, He was arrested and charged for Carrying a Pistol Without a License and Deonte Brown, 18, of Southeast, DC was arrested and charged with No Permit.
The officers involved have been placed on administrative leave, pursuant to MPD policy. Responding officers activated their body worn cameras. That footage is currently under review."
Additional material on this tragic situation is in an article in the Washington Post.
I spoke with one of his aunts, who said there is more to this situation than meets the eye. The family is in deep grief. I also briefly spoke with a young woman who was silently weeping by the shrine at the site of his shooting.
All of this is deeply sad.
May there be peace and justice for all concerned.
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