Organizing to Stop Police From Preying on Families After Their Loved One Is Killed

We sat down with some of our justice families to discuss the disturbing similarities they experienced in the aftermath of having their loved ones killed by law enforcement. In their most vulnerable moment, law enforcement withheld information, interrogated, lied, and manipulated these families into making statements that were eventually used against them in court, resulting in criminalization of their loved ones and exoneration of the officers who did the killing. Over the last 20 years, De-Bug families have embarked on a mission to challenge the way police act in these situations, creating the First 24, a guideline of what families should know, in the event that the police kill or seriously injure a loved one that was based on the experiences they went through. Now, as California enters its new legislative cycle, these families are pushing to change the law so that law enforcement will no longer be allowed to manipulate families.

In this conversation you'll hear:

• Corina Griswold & Regina Cardenas, daughters of Rudy Cardenas. On February 17, 2004 Rudy  was shot in the back & killed by undercover state narcotic agents in downtown San Jose. A case of mistaken identity. Rudy was unarmed. He was 43 years old and a loving father of 4. SJPD held off paramedics, witheld information, & interrogated Rudy's family in the hours after his killing.
• Jim Showman, father of Diana Showman. On August 14th 2014, Diana was having a mental health crises. She needed help and the San Jose Police Department did the complete opposite, they took her precious life. Diana was a loving daughter to Jim & Vickie, a sister who loved to play softball. Today and everyday we remember Diana.
• Chandra Jacquez, daughter of Richard "Harpo" Jacquez. On August 17, 2015 Harpo's life was taken by SJPD Officer Jacob Morris. Harpo was unarmed, back against the officer, when he was first hit by the police car and then shot 5 times in the back. Harpo is remembered as a father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and beloved friend and community member to so many in San Jose. At his memorial, so many shared stories of how giving and unselfish he was, and just loved his family. His star shines brightly in all the loved ones left behind, especially his daughter and Debug organizer Chandra ❤️

Raj Jayadev acted as host for this convo, founding De-Bugger and longtime community organizer.

Daniel Zapien on the 1s & 2s, recorded and edited this episode, also long time De-Bugger and San Jo visual artist. 

For more information and resources on De-Bug families that have been impacted by police brutality visit Protect Your People SJ. 

Listen to Jim Showman on the Reveal Podcast