Police accused him of stealing food. Then an officer shot him dead, saying he went for a gun.
Tragedy struck in New Rochelle, New York, as 37-year-old Jarrell Garris, who had been shot by the police on July 3, tragically passed away. The New York Attorney General’s office has now announced a formal investigation into the shooting, leaving Garris’ grieving family seeking answers. (pscks.com) The family’s attorney called for transparency and the immediate release of all videos related to the incident. Garris’ loved ones are devastated, and as they prepare to memorialize him, they are pleading for justice to be served.
The shooting incident involving Garris has been under investigation by the New York State Police and the Westchester County District Attorney’s office for several days. However, in accordance with state law, the case has now been handed over to the New York Attorney General’s office, which has the authority to investigate cases where a person’s death may have been caused by a police or peace officer. This decision marks a significant step in determining the truth behind the tragic event.
Garris, a native of New Rochelle, had returned to the area to spend time with his son before taking him back to Greensboro, North Carolina, for the summer. The encounter with the police occurred when Garris was accused of stealing food from a grocery store. In the ensuing scuffle, the police alleged that Garris had attempted to reach for one of the officers’ guns, leading to the fatal shooting. (pscks.com) However, Garris’ family asserts that he was merely eating a banana and grapes inside the store.
The release of bodycam footage by the New Rochelle Police Department revealed the confrontation between Garris and the officers. The video shows the officers questioning Garris about stolen food, and as the situation escalates, a struggle ensues. In the midst of the struggle, Garris is seen reaching in the direction of an officer’s holstered firearm. Shortly after, an officer shouts, “He’s got a gun!” The video ends before the fatal shot is fired. (pscks.com) (lohud.com)
Calls for transparency have intensified, with Garris’ family demanding the release of the full bodycam footage and urging witnesses to come forward. (pscks.com) The Rev. Kevin McCall, acting as a family spokesperson, emphasized the need for the truth to be revealed through the complete video. Garris’ loved ones believe that the footage will expose the reality of the incident and affirm that his death should not have been the result of eating fruit.
The New York State Police reported that Officer Steven Conn shot Garris while attempting to arrest him, firing one round from his department-issued firearm. Lifesaving techniques were performed, and Garris was rushed to the hospital, where he remained in a coma until his passing. The investigation is ongoing, and the three officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave. (aol.com) (pscks.com)
Garris’ father described his son’s struggles with mental health issues, including schizophrenia, and how the police had previously conducted wellness checks when he lived in New Rochelle. Friends and family gathered to support Garris during a press conference, expressing their outrage and seeking justice for his untimely death. The fatal encounter took place in a historically African American community, adding to the sense of pain and injustice surrounding the incident.
Protests erupted outside the grocery store where the altercation occurred, highlighting the community’s anger and frustration. As the investigation moves forward, Garris’ family, friends, and supporters continue to demand transparency, accountability, and justice. (lohud.com) The tragic loss of Jarrell Garris has left a void in their lives, and they hope that his memory will be honored through a thorough investigation and appropriate legal action against those responsible for his death.