Calls for justice in Aurora police's killing of Kilyn Lewis amplify
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Illustration: Annelise Capossela/Axios
Public outrage is mounting as the 100-day mark nears since an Aurora police officer fatally shot 37-year-old Kilyn Lewis, an unarmed Black man.
The latest: Protesters, including numerous members of Lewis' family, once again packed an Aurora City Council meeting on Monday evening to call for the officer involved to be fired, arrested and charged with murder.
- Their demands also include a formal censure of council member Stephanie Hancock, who referred to them as "bullies, terrorists [and] anarchists" in a meeting last month.
Zoom in: During Monday's public comment period, Aurora's council was asked twice by protesters to stand if they believed Lewis should still be alive.
- Most members stood, but Mayor Mike Coffman and city manager Jason Batchelor — who directly oversees the police department — stayed seated, angering advocates for Lewis.
What they're saying: "I'm asking for justice for my son," Lewis' mother LaRonda Jones told the council.
- "I'm demanding that [the officer] be sent to the Department of Corrections" and "never be able to work ... as an officer or anything else when it comes to protecting people," she said, holding back tears.
The big picture: Aurora's embattled police department — known for patterns of racially biased policing and excessive force — is once again facing scrutiny, even as the department remains under a 2021 state consent decree to overhaul its practices following the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, another unarmed Black man.
Catch up quick: Lewis was shot in the abdomen by Aurora SWAT officer Michael Dieck on May 23 in the parking area of an apartment complex. Lewis died in the hospital two days later.
- He was suspected of attempted murder in a Denver shooting on May 5. A warrant had been issued for his arrest and Denver police had asked for their counterparts in Aurora to help locate him.
- Police body camera footage shows Lewis was unarmed and holding a cellphone when he was shot.
State of play: As Aurora police conduct an internal investigation and the 18th Judicial District pursues its own probe, community members have spent the last two months calling for justice and accountability.
- Protesters have interrupted multiple Aurora City Council meetings — prompting Coffman to consider limiting public comments and pursuing virtual options.
- Activists also appeared at a Denver City Council meeting to demand city leaders request an independent investigation into the events of May 5 that led to Lewis' killing.
The other side: Aurora police spokesperson Sydney Edwards tells Axios Denver that Dieck has been placed on restricted duty in a non-public facing role and investigations regarding the case remain active and ongoing.
- She did not comment on the specifics of the case.
What's next: More community-led protests are planned, including at Aurora City Council's next meeting on Aug. 26, organizers tell Axios Denver.
- On Aug. 31, which marks the 100th day since Lewis was killed, a rally is scheduled at the state Capitol.
- Lewis' family plans to sue the Aurora Police Department, Denver7 reports.