Kilyn E. Lewis was shot and killed by the Aurora Police Department (APD) on May 23, 2024. He was unarmed, holding only his cell phone and a snack. Sadly, he is one of the many examples of brute forced used by police departments nationwide, who shoot before considering less deadly alternatives. His mother, LaRonda Jones, shares her grief, stating “Kilyn was my heart, my joy. And in one thoughtless, reckless moment, they stole him from me. He wasn’t a threat. He was unarmed. All he wanted was to live his life, to be with his family, and now, because of the horrific culture and practices of the APD, he’s gone forever. APD took my son, and they need to be held accountable for the hole they left in our lives.”
The APD and Aurora Council have chosen not to speak on the issue
multiple times. Recently, when the case was meant to be discussed during a council meeting, the council decided to move the meeting to a digital format, citing “interruptions.” These interruptions were in fact racist remarks made about the case towards Black leader and LaRonda Jones. Instead of addressing the comments, the council decided to move the meeting. Jones had traveled for months from out of state to demand justice for her son. The meeting being moved online took away an important moment for her, when she had planned to read a poignant letter which called for accountability as well as honored her son.
Two rallies have been held since then, one on September 23 and one on October 14. In both cases, they urged people to come support and demand justice and an answer. Before the rally in October, District Attorney John Kellner had released a 20-page statement detailing his finds when he investigated the case, before giving the family a chance to review or respond to any of it. He made his determination that the
offending officer not be charged and be able to return to duty.
The lack of communication with Kilyn’s grieving family left them confused and angry. As they reviewed the findings, they were outraged. “This decision is not only a failure of justice but a message that the life of an unarmed Black man like Kilyn means nothing to the very system that is supposed to protect us.”
In response to the recently released consent decree by the Colorado Department of Justice, Lewis’ family raises their voices once again for accountability. Some questions they want answered are detailed in a press release, quoted below.
- Aurora SWAT’s Role in Warrant Execution: Why was APD’s SWAT team executing a warrant originating in Denver? This inter-jurisdictional decision reflects a lack of coordination that the department must account for publicly.
- Failure to Use Less-Lethal Options: Bodycam footage suggests no less-lethal options were used in Kilyn’s arrest. Why did APD choose deadly force first, ignoring alternatives?
- Tactical Choices Without Cover: APD’s tactics were questionable, especially the decision to approach Kilyn without cover. We need answers as to why these choices were made.
- Officer’s Record: The officer responsible has a history of prior shootings yet remains active on the SWAT team. Why has APD allowed this officer to stay in a high-risk role despite this concerning record?
One of the
advocates for the family, MiDian Shofner, raises these questions and demands a clear, transparent investigation. They demand APD engage the Force Review Board, re-evaluate policies, and provide plans for systemic reform. They are encouraging the community to join together and demand justice and reform.
In the words of Kilyn’s mother, “Kilyn wasn’t the first, and sadly enough, I know he will not be the last. I can’t bring him back, but we can all stand together and force a change that makes APD answer for their actions, for their broken policies, for their mistakes. My son deserves that. Every mother’s child deserves that.”
By Leo
