WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — On Tuesday, the Los Angeles Police Commission ruled that Wampler had violated department policy while his partner Antonio Villegas had not.
“Community activists Wednesday urged District Attorney Jackie Lacey to file criminal charges against an LAPD [Los Angeles Police Department] officer found by the Police Commission to have violated department policy in the fatal shooting of an unarmed, mentally ill black man,” My News LA.com reported.
The Commission rejected Chief Charlie Beck’s findings that Wampler had adhered to police department policy.
Call and Demand Jackie Lacey file murder charges against killer cops Sharlton Wampler & Antonio Villegas 2139743512. pic.twitter.com/yzJGAhWaKi
— Sha Dixon (@ShaDixon) January 20, 2015
Ford died on August 11, 2014 of multiple gunshots fired into him by the two policemen.
Los Angeles community activist Najee Ali was quoted as saying by local media that Lacey should file charges against Wampler.
Ofcr Sharlton Wampler had hist of abuse b4 killing #EzellFord. http://t.co/ne0YNdNuEp @blmla #OccupyLAPD #BlackLivesMatter
— Melina Abdullah (@DocMellyMel) January 3, 2015
“We want Wampler prosecuted — at the very least for assault under color of authority,” Ali said. “The community cares about Ezell Ford being shot and killed by the LAPD.”
In September 2014, Ford’s family filed a federal civil rights and wrongful death lawsuit against the LAPD, alleging the victim was shot in the back as he lay on the ground.
The lawsuit said the two policemen unlawfully searched and seized Ford, denied him due process, utilized excessive force and violated his civil rights.
