AKRON, Ohio — The fatal shooting of Jayland Walker by Akron police officers has caught the world’s attention. 

What You Need To Know

  • A new United Nations group will conduct an independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker

  • The group was formed following the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer

  • Walker's case will be the first investigated by the group

Walker was unarmed when he was shot and killed while running from his car following a chase in June.

Walker family attorney Bobby DiCello announced at Walker’s funeral on July 13 that the United Nations will conduct an independent probe into the shooting. 

The International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in Law Enforcement, formed by the United Nations following George Floyd’s death at the hands of a police officer, will handle the probe. 

That group comprises three experts on the topic, one from the United States and the others from Argentina and South Africa.

DiCello said that the fatal shooting of Walker is the first case in the world to be investigated by this U.N. group.

“Jayland Walker’s case is so significant that it was viewed important enough for the U.N. member nations to examine for a global discussion,” DiCello said. “Hearing that the U.N. was involved was one of the most important moments for the family. They really want to know Jayland’s life was not taken in vain.” 

The United Nations has no police power in America, so the group’s findings will not factor into the local investigation into the Akron police officers. 

“They are going to be sending recommendations to the President of the United States, to congress, to members of the state and federal government,” DiCello said. “The United Nations bringing their resources into this case means other countries are going to be evaluating us as a people; that is important because we are a global community now.” 

The Expert Mechanism will submit an annual report to the Human Rights Council in September. 

“We look forward to what the experts will recommend,” DiCello said. “We really look forward to the discussion that will come as a result of it.”