LAPD

Ezell Ford's Mother “Satisfied” With Ruling on Shooting, Seeks Charges

The mother of Ezell Ford called on the Los Angeles County district attorney to file charges after a Police Commission found that an officer was unjustified in the fatal shooting of the unarmed, mentally ill black man.

The board announced mixed findings Tuesday, ruling that one officer acted within Los Angeles Police Department policy in the August 2014 shooting, but another officer acted improperly.

"I’m very satisfied. I agree totally with their decision," said Ford's mother, Tritobia Ford. "When I heard the announcement my initial reaction was hallelujah. This whole time I said I didn't believe God would allow my son's life to be taken in vain."

The ruling came during a heated commission meeting at which protesters demanded action against the two officers and police Chief Charlie Beck.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said he had privately met with Ford's mother at First AME Church for about 45 minutes to discuss the findings.

"He offered me his support and shared with me his sympathy," she said. "Even though it was 10 months late, I thank him."

Ford's mother also thanked the commission's president, Steve Soboroff, following the unanimous decision. After an LAPD internal affairs investigation, the case will be passed to Beck, who decides what discipline the officers would face.

Flanked by family members and their lawyers, Ford's mother said she was doubtful that the disciplinary action Beck chooses will be more than "a slap on the wrist" and hoped for criminal charges.

"District Attorney Jackie Lacey, you need to step up. You need to step up," she said as she held her younger son in her arms. "I'm definitely looking at her to press charges."

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