The family of Keeven Robinson is outraged after learning the coroner ruled his death a homicide. Robinson died while in deputy custody. While Sheriff Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto initially said his death was due to his history of asthma, the coroner's autopsy revealed he died from asphyxiation. Now, his family and members of the community are calling for justice.
Hundreds marched from the the spot where deputies’ pursuit with Keeven Robinson ended. Family members say the autopsy results confirmed what they already knew — asthma didn't' kill Keeven. While they say the 22-year-old had his share of issues, they say he didn’t deserve to die.
"He was a good, respectable child," said Keeven's dad, Steven Jackson. "All this police brutality has to stop. You got someone in custody, take him to jail. They're already scared. Why do you think they're running? They don't want the violence."
Jackson joined hundreds of others to march for an end to the violence and justice for Keeven. They chanted things like “no justice, no peace” and “enough is enough”.
Keeven’s family and friends say they hope the protest helps to bring about change.
"I hope it accomplishes that this doesn't happen to anybody else's child. It's hard. I know the mother real well. She's grieving real hard, but I hope it comes to a stop, not just in New Orleans but all over the country," said Keeven's relative, Ernest Jackson. "We got to try to come together as a whole - black, white Hispanic. It’s not just about the black thing."
After the march, organizers asked people to become involved by signing up for different committees that address issues like police brutality in order to affect change in the community.
