Grand jury refuse to indict Houston cop who murdered Ashtian Barnes

Houston, TX—A Harris County grand jury no-billed the cop who murdered an African man, Ashtian Barnes on August 31, 2016.

Twenty-four-year-old Ashtian was shot and killed by cop who we only know as R. Felix. The shooting was captured on the pig’s dashcam. 

According to the pig, he pulled over because of toll violations on the rental car that he was driving on April 28, 2016. Once pulled over, Felix said that he smelled marijuana and asked Ashtian to step out of the car. 

It was then that Ashtian began to drive away. Felix stood in the driver’s door of the car as it drove, pulled his gun and shot Ashtian, killing him. 

We all know however that the real story is that Ashtian was an African who a cop decided to harass. If Ashtian would have stepped out of the car as Felix demanded, he would have likely faced years in prison or death. He tried to escape the cop, but was murdered anyway. 

According to the Harris County grand jury, they did not find enough evidence to charge R. Felix with murder or another “assaultive charge.” We are clear, however, that the State will never find the police guilty for murdering Africans.

Another African family grieves

Tommy Barnes, Ashtian’s father, noted that his son did not get justice. 

“I buried my son. I want him to rest in peace,” Tommy said.

Aledra Barnes lost her older brother that day. She wants everyone to see the dash cam video.

“That was my best friend. He was very outspoken, taught me so much,” Aledra Barnes said, “I will never forget him.”

Too often, African families are forced to grieve our loved ones that have been kidnapped or murdered by the State. 

For centuries, the State has terrorized African people. For the State to function effectively, it has to inflict terror. From Sandra Bland, to Tamir Rice, to Mike Brown. To the millions of Africans that have been brutalized and lynched and to the millions that were captured from Africa and thrown from sailing ships into the ocean to drown, the State has had a genocidal relationship with Africans. 

The only way to destroy this wicked relationship that Africans have with the State is through revolution. 

The time to organize and join the fight for Black Power is now. We cannot allow our brothers, sisters, and children to be brutalized and murdered by the State any longer. 

Join the APSP! 

Visit Join APSP.org!

Uhuru!

 

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