On Wednesday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. the City Council chambers were full of community members, some spilling into the lobby. The majority were there to demand justice for Marchello Woodard, an unarmed Black man who was killed by a state parole officer on July 2. Some wore t-shirts that read: “Justice For Chello.” 25 constituents spoke, resulting in nearly two hours of public comments. Throughout, the crowd periodically erupted, some shouting out: “Justice for Chello!”
Those in attendance expressed their combined sadness and frustration on Woodard’s death and the way the investigation has been handled. Charles Woodward, the father of the victim, expressed his grief over his son’s death at the hands of an officer. “I had to bury my son,” he said. “Next time, you should respect that badge to honor, serve, and protect the community.”
Others asked for explicit change to be made, referencing gaps in the justice system, holding officers accountable, and the lack of answers given to the community during the course of the investigation…