[Peace] Press conference for police shooting of 15 yr. old Kewanne Carrington: Mon. 10am at IMC

Sun Oct 11 12:54:57 CDT 2009

(from the News Gazette)
15-year-old killed in scuffle with Champaign police

By Paul Wood 
Saturday, October 10, 2009 7:00 AM CDT

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CHAMPAIGN – A 15-year-old boy was shot dead and Champaign's police chief injured during an altercation between police officers and youths who may have been trying to break into a house Friday, police said.
The fight involved two 15-year-olds, who may have been part of a larger group trying to get into a house at 906 W. Vine St., as well as Chief R.T. Finney and an unnamed officer, who has been placed on paid administrative leave.
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The dead teen was identified by Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup as Kiwane Carrington, of the 1400 block of North Champaign Street, C. That information was released during a 9 p.m. press conference called by police to provide information on the incident to community leaders. According to a release provided by police, "The Champaign Police Department remains concerned for all those that were involved in this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the 15-year-old, as well as our officers and their families."
The other teen was not identified because he is a juvenile, police said.
The events transpired within a matter of minutes, Deputy Chief Troy Daniels said at a brief press conference Friday afternoon.
At 1:20 p.m., a neighbor called to tell police that at least two youths were trying to get into a house, both through doors and windows.

Police at the scene of a shooting have the house at 906 W Vine street blocked off in Champaign Friday afternoon. By Robert K. O'Daniell
The unnamed officer got to the scene almost immediately, and Finney also responded. Daniels said the chief often goes out on calls.
When the two officers tried to detain the boys, a scuffle ensued during which a police weapon discharged, fatally injuring Mr. Carrington. The other boy was not hurt, Daniels said.
The weapon involved was not the chief's, Daniels said.
"They did not follow instructions" to comply with officers and get on the ground, Daniels said. The unnamed officer was in full uniform; Finney displayed a badge, the deputy chief said.
Mr. Carrington was taken to Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, after he received emergency aid from other officers "within earshot" of the incident, Daniels said. He was pronounced dead at the hospital at 2:16 p.m., according to Northrup. An autopsy will be performed at 3 p.m. today, and a coroner's inquest will be held at a later date.
The other 15-year-old was taken to the Champaign police lockup, on suspicion of burglary.
During the fight, Finney's shoulder was hurt. He was treated at Carle and released. Daniels said he couldn't say at this time whether Finney was injured by some sort of weapon.
Several agencies are investigating, including the Urbana, Rantoul and the University of Illinois police departments. The Illinois State Police is taking the lead, Daniels said.
Sgt. Bill Emery could not be reached for comment Friday evening.

--- On Sun, 10/11/09, Brian Dolinar <briandolinar at gmail.com> wrote:

From: Brian Dolinar <briandolinar at gmail.com>
Subject: [Peace] Press conference for police shooting of 15 yr. old Kewanne Carrington: Mon. 10am at IMC
To: "Court Watch" <announce at communitycourtwatch.org>, "AWARE peace" <peace at lists.chambana.net>, stop at iresist.org, coalition at iresist.org, "Melodye Rosales" <melodye at nitrogendesign.com>, "Patricia Avery" <cuapavery at juno.com>, "Giraldo Rosales" <grosales at nitrogendesign.com>, "Imani Bazzell" <thinkandfeel at gmail.com>, tparsons3 at gmail.com, "King Evelyn Underwood" <kingjames5804 at att.net>, "DlrHen at aol.com" <dlrhen at aol.com>, "Linda Abernathy" <lindacofcsuper at aol.com>
Date: Sunday, October 11, 2009, 10:03 AM

A press conference is being held Monday, October 12 at 10 a.m. at the Independent Media Center with family members and community leaders to address the police killing of 15 year-old African American youth, Kewanne Carrington. On Friday, October 9, 2009, in a struggle between two youth and two Champaign police officers that involved Police Chief R.T. Finney, a gun went off that killed the young Kewanne.

When the youth’s aunt Rhonda Williams went to the emergency room and inquired about her son just minutes after it happened, she was turned away and told to go to the police station. Police identified the body not by contacting the family, but from a school photograph they had obtained from Ready Middle School, where Carrington attended.

There are still many questions about this tragedy which police have refused to answer. The family and the community deserve an explanation.

When: Monday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m.
Where: Independent Media Center, 202 S. Broadway, old post office in downtown Urbana

Contact: Brian Dolinar, 621-5827, briandolinar at gmail.com
 BD
-- 
Brian Dolinar, Ph.D.
303 W. Locust St.
Urbana, IL 61801
briandolinar at gmail.com

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