Photo courtesy of Alice S. Hall / NBCU Photo Bank
Community members marched the streets of South Pasadena to bring awareness to the officer-involved death of actress and South Pas resident Vanessa Marquez. Members of the group called Justice for Vanessa Marquez gathered at her house on the 1100 block of Fremont before marching up to the South Pasadena Police Department (SPPD) Saturday morning, Sept. 29.
Supporters of Marquez marched to spread their message of the importance of preventing incidents of officer-involved shootings and putting an end to officer brutality. Marchers held signs that read “Jail killer cops,” “Stop killing us Latinos,” and “Say their names” as they made their way up Fremont to SPPD. Several advocated for further discipline of the involved officers, who were originally placed on administrative leave, but are now back on active duty.
Members of the Brown Beret National Party (BBNP), a Chicano social justice organization were also present, led by Dr. David Sanchez, the founder of the BBNP.
“I think she has a story that needs to be told,” Sanchez said.
City council members acknowledged the shooting at a meeting earlier on Sept. 17, but preferred not to comment until the investigation into the incident is officially completed. According to City Manager Stephanie DeWolfe, the investigation will take anywhere from six to 12 months.
