A 14-year-old boy named Jor’Dell Richardson was fatally shot and killed by Aurora, Colorado, police officers earlier this month. With a memorial scheduled for later today, questions surrounding the brutality of the June 1 incident have been raised again.
Near 8th Avenue and Dayton Street, Aurora police claimed that Richardson and a few other individuals had robbed a convenience store of vape cartridges and other merchandise. According to CBS News, Richardson used a pellet gun that reportedly looked similar to a 9mm handgun to rob the convenience store. After the robbery, the teens fled. Officers caught up with Richardson after engaging in a foot chase and reported seeing the look-alike handgun.
Body cam footage of the ensuing events was released on social media from the Aurora Police Department. The footage showed Richardson shot in the stomach after police officers Roch Gruszeczka and James Snapp chased the teen wearing a hoodie and medical mask. After pulling up to the scene, Gruszeczka said, “They just shoplifted out of there. I’m going to light them up.”
The graphic footage sparked Jor’Dell Richardson’s family to ask more questions about what caused the Aurora officers to decide to shoot the 14-year-old fatally. The victim’s family has been active in demanding the officers’ resignation.
Currently, an investigation into the shooting is being conducted by the district attorney’s office. A spokesperson assured the public that if the investigation finds fault in the officers, charges will be filed accordingly.
Today at 5 p.m., the Richardson family will gather for a private funeral at the Aurora Municipal Center. Following that, there will be a community procession and a march in solidarity for JorDell Richardson.