On March 19, Skid Row activists called for an independent investigation into a police shooting that left a homeless man dead in Los Angeles’ most impoverished community. Activists are also asking for a release of police body-camera footage of the fatal incident.
According to police reports, the victim, Charly Leundeu Keunang, became violent after the police approached him regarding a robbery accusation from another Skid Row resident.
Police Chief Charlie Beck said at a press conference that the alleged robber “repeatedly refused to comply with police demands” and began to fight with the officers. Tasers used by the officers had little effect. Keunang was shot after he “forcibly grabbed” an officer’s holstered gun.
Police Chief Beck assured the L.A. community that the LAPD specialized force investigation division has been working to preserve and collect evidence and to interview witnesses of the shooting.
The L.A. Times reports that Keunang was a national of Cameroon. He had been committed to a prison psychiatric hospital while serving a 13-year sentence for bank robbery.
The LAPD has estimated that 60 percent of Skid Row residents are mentally ill and 80 percent abuse alcohol or drugs, according to the LA Times.
