LOUISVILLE, Ky. — It’s been almost one year since the deadly police raid that claimed the life of Breonna Taylor.
What You Need To Know
- Saturday will mark one year since the police killing of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor
- Taylor's family, along with activists and community leaders, are still calling for justice to be served
- Three LMPD officers involved in the events surrounding her death have been fired, but no officers have faced charges for Taylor's death
- A march is planned Saturday afternoon in remembrance of Taylor
363 days have passed since 26-year-old Breonna Taylor was shot and killed at the hands of the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD). Taylor and her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, were in their bed when police executed a no-knock search warrant, the facts of which were allegedly falsified by Detective Joshua Jaynes.
Jaynes, along with Brett Hankison and Myles Cosgrove, have since been fired.
"We are in a state of emergency when Breonna Taylor can’t get justice after sleeping at home in her bed being awaken by police officers and at the time she thought they were intruders and now she’s dead," said Tamika Mallory, co-founder of the social group Until Freedom.
At a press conference Thursday, Mallory was surrounded by family members, faith leaders, and activists calling for renewed justice for Taylor.
Tim Findley, pastor of Kingdom Fellowship Church Center told Spectrum News 1, "if there is no justice there will never be real peace, not now, not ever."
News of Taylor’s killing started gaining momentum in late May of 2020, after the death of George Floyd.
"It’s unfortunate that one man had to die and be killed on TV in order to bring attention to Breonna Taylor," Mallory said. "Is it not unfortunate that we need multiple black bodies to drop in order for one black woman to get the attention she deserves?"
In the year since, officers have yet to be charged for her death.
Tamika Palmer is Taylor’s mother. Nearly one year ago, multiple gunshots changed her and her family’s life forever. Her daughter’s slaying has sparked global attention with protests and demonstrations.
"It’s crazy how long it’s been. What you won’t see is us divided on what we want," Palmer said.
With crowds of supporters gathering around Commonwealth Attorney Tom Wine’s office near Jefferson Square Park in Downtown Louisville, Taylor’s family and other groups said they want the officers held accountable.
"Tom Wine you got a job to do that’s all we are asking you to do," Palmer said.
"We understand it’s within your [Wine's] authority that you are able to do this job, that you’re cable of doing this job, the question is are you willing to do this job," said Linda Sarsour, co-founder of Until Freedom.
In a statement released Thursday evening, Tom Wine said he does not plan to introduce the case to another grand jury since there are still open investigations into the case.
"The investigation into the death of Breonna Taylor is not over. It continues in the hands of both independent investigators and prosecutors, those of the FBI and the United States Department of Justice," Wine said. "Violations of federal civil rights under color of law, resulting in the death of an individual, carry the same, if not greater, criminal penalties than those provided under Kentucky law."
Ahead of this weekend’s remembrance of Taylor, activists are asking Kentuckians to use their energy to push for change.
"If you’re watching this, if you’re in your house, you find a rally, you find a street corner, you get on twitter, you post a picture of Breonna Taylor, you do something to remind the world that a woman lost her life and never received justice."
On Saturday March 13th at 1 p.m., a march is being held to remember Breonna Taylor at Jefferson Square Park.
On Sunday March 14th at 3 p.m., Until Freedom, Christopher 2x’s Game Changers, and Community Connections and Radio Show is distributing food to the community at Community Connections Group on Montgomery Street in Louisville.