The family of Jazmir Tucker, the 15-year-old North High School freshman who was shot and killed by an Akron police officer Thanksgiving evening, has hired attorneys from The Cochran Firm Ohio.
A press release stated that attorneys Michael Wright, Shean Williams and Stanley Jackson were hired to conduct an “independent investigation into the tragic shooting death” of Jazmir and that his family is waiting to view the police body-worn camera footage from the incident.
According to the Akron City Charter, the video must be released within seven days of the incident, which occurred around 11 p.m.
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The release said the attorneys will “work closely with the family to determine exactly what happened and we won’t stop until all of their questions have been answered.”
Founded by high-profile trial attorney Johnnie L. Cochran Jr., The Cochran Firm recently opened its first office in Cleveland.
Fatal encounter with Akron Police occurs Thanksgiving evening
According to a statement from Akron police, the officer who shot Jazmir was sitting in a marked police cruiser with his partner near Vernon Odom Boulevard and East Avenue in Akron’s Sherbondy Hill neighborhood as they filled out a report from a previous incident. They heard gunfire and left their vehicle to investigate.
One of the officers shot the teen, who was transported to a nearby hospital where he died, the police statement said. Police said they provided emergency first aid until EMS arrived.
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik released a statement Friday about the shooting and identified the teen. “Every loss of life is a tragedy, and to lose a young life is heartbreaking,” he said. “My condolences are with Jazmir’s loved ones tonight. My thoughts are also with our Akron police officers and their families.“
Malik also asked for community members to “reserve judgment until more facts are shared, knowing that it is a difficult thing to ask in situations like this.” He said the city will release body-worn camera footage from the two officers in the next week.
Akron City Council passed legislation in June 2021 that requires the city to release video footage that documents an Akron Police officer’s use of deadly force or force that results in serious bodily injury within seven days of the incident.
The two officers were uninjured in the incident and were placed on paid administrative leave per departmental procedure.
The officer involved in the shooting has served nearly five years with the department. The second officer, who has less than one year of service, did not fire his weapon, the release stated.
Akron schools provide support during ‘challenging time’
North High School Principal Charles Morrison sent a letter to school staff following Jazmir’s death.
“The death of a student affects all of Akron Public Schools,” said Morrison in the letter. “The loss of a young life is always devastating, profound… an indescribable tragedy. We are united in grief as we come to terms with what is unimaginable.”
Jazmir was a student in one of Dana Starvaggi’s classes at North — she said he was ”a quietly charismatic guy who was always respectful to me as his teacher. He had the ability to miss class and then come in and do the work quicker than his peers, like he didn’t miss anything when he was out.”
She worried about him navigating his world at school and his world outside school.
“I’m heartbroken for his friends and family. It breaks my heart to picture his empty seat in class, particularly knowing we lost him in such a tragic way.”
Akron Public Schools issued a statement Monday about Jazmir’s death and said the district’s Crisis Team, “including school counselors and psychologists, along with our community partner Victim Assistance,” was available at North High School for “those who are struggling with this loss.”
“Our district’s primary focus is on supporting our students, staff, families and community during this challenging time,” the statement said.
Supporters gather to remember teen
Sunday afternoon, supporters of Jazmir’s family and friends gathered in frigid temperatures to release dozens of green and black balloons.
They celebrated Jazmir, a twin, a teenager, a student at North High School, because he was loved by so many. Dozens gathered in front of Miller South School for the Visual and Performing Arts on East Avenue in the Sherbondy Hill neighborhood and shared handshakes and hugs as they took turns explaining their lasting experiences with Jazmir.
Some posed with photos of him while others held candles.
His older sister, Princess Green, wanted to focus on joyous memories. She said Jazmir will be remembered as someone who always tried to help others out, to a fault. Others remembered him for his love of sports and for water balloon fights with his younger brother.
As supporters released their balloons, they sent up cheers of “We love you Jaz,” and one gold-colored balloon shaped as a “J” flew into the sky.
