After a high speed 22-mile chase, Cleveland police officer Michael Brelo shot an unarmed pair, Timothy Ray Russell, 43, and Malissa Willams, 30. He stood on the car and opened fire, shooting Russell and Williams 15 times. Brelo and 12 other officers fired more than 100 times in eight seconds at the car. The chase began because Russell’s car backfired and police thought the noise was gunshots.
Concluding just one of several police use-of-force cases prompting outrage in Cleveland, a Cuyahoga County judge decided that Brelo was not guilty of voluntary manslaughter and felonious assault in the 2012 deaths of Russell and Williams following the 22-mile car chase.
On Saturday, May 23, Judge John P. O’Donnell delivered the verdict himself after a multi-week, nonjury trial. Following the verdict, Russell’s family released the following statement in response:
“We are deeply disappointed in Judge John P. O’Donnell’s ruling, which failed to administer justice on behalf of our beloved Tim and his friend, Malissa Williams. The judge began the explanation of his ruling by pointing to the countless instances across the nation where racialized policing has occurred and resulted in the untimely deaths of Black and Brown women, men and children. Even as Judge O’Donnell acknowledged the disproportionate killing of people of color, he failed to hold Officer Michael Brelo accountable for his reckless and cruel actions. Across this nation, we have witnessed countless acquittals and non-indictments where officers have walked free in the face of overwhelming evidence attesting to a disregard for human life, violations of police codes of conduct, racial profiling, excessive behavior and lethal force. Our hearts are heavy to see this all too familiar scene playing out once again.
“A hailstorm of more than 137 shots rained down on Tim and Malissa on November 29, 2012. No one deserves such a fate. Fleeing is not grounds for death. The exoneration of Officer Brelo speaks to a complete disregard for the extreme and unnecessary force meted out against some American citizens who happen to be Black and Brown. It also speaks to the refusal of some to acknowledge the dignity and value of these human lives. This issue was underlined in a December 2014 Department of Justice report on the Cleveland Police Department.
“Tim and Malissa were unarmed and they were afraid for their lives. Given the realities of racial profiling and prejudiced policing, they were fleeing to escape the very fate imposed upon them. Their tragic death serves as a painful reminder of a systemic culture of violence that we cannot, and should not, ignore.
“While Officer Brelo goes on vacation with his family, Tim and Malissa will never come home. We will never look at his face and behold his infectious smile. We no longer have the privilege of sharing with our brother the celebrations that come with summer, the delight in Memorial Weekend excursions. We cannot escape the tragedy of our loss even as we remain steadfast in a spirit of love and faith that God will see us through this painful moment.
“Tim was a beautiful human being with a deep love for others. He wouldn’t hurt a fly. He was an evangelist that carried his bible everywhere and enjoyed sharing his faith with others. The mischaracterization of Tim is also grievous as he was working diligently to overcome depression and addiction, struggles that have impacted millions of Americans. These realities didn’t mean that Tim was a criminal or complicit in his own death. His personal, and very human, struggles didn’t justify the execution that occurred that night.
“If Tim were alive, he would push for justice and accountability. He would urge us to remain vigilant and advocate on behalf of those who are unfairly criminalized because of the color of their skin or socio-economic status.
“In Tim’s honor, our family will continue pushing for justice even as we begin our journey of putting our lives back together. As we move forward, we know that we are not the only ones that need to progress. The City of Cleveland has a moral responsibility to improve as well. To that end, we call on Mayor Jackson and the City to:
- Mandate cultural and racial sensitivity training and education for all officers,
- Improve hiring standards for Cleveland Police officers. Utilize a vetting system that includes police employment background, mental health and stability checks,
- Mandate officers live in the city where they serve,
- Ensure legislation is passed to hold accountable officers who indiscriminately discharge their weapons without any measure to avoid murder,
- Train officers to use alternative measures to prevent excessive/lethal force,
- Work collaboratively with the Department of Justice and ensure their December 2014 report is followed by action and real change, and
- Ensure peaceful policing and improved community relations.
“While our family calls for peace, it does not mean we cease calls for reform. We encourage everyone who values justice to stand up, speak out and demand change. Write or call your local councilperson, Police Chief Calvin D. Williams and Mayor Frank Jackson’s offices. Send letters to media affiliates, post blogs, attend rallies, marches and vigils. Whether you are Black or White, rich or poor– this is a human rights issue as much as it is a civil rights issue. Collectively, we can make a difference and turn this senseless tragedy into an opportunity for reform and improved relationships between police and communities of color.”
