Via Flickr
Marquis Jefferson - father of Atatiana Jefferson, who was killed by police in October - just passed away from a heart attack.
“He ultimately just succumbed to… a broken heart,” said family spokesman Bruce Carter. “He just never recovered.”
Atatiana was killed by Fort Worth, TX police officer Aaron Dean in her own home. Dean was charged with murder, but the consequences of his actions stretch beyond her death.
Marquis Jefferson was not the first family member of a police violence victim to die shortly after the incident. Erica Garner - daughter of Eric Garner, who was killed by police in 2014 - also died from a heart attack not long after her father’s passing.
Venida Browder, mother of Kalief Browder - who took his own life shortly after being released from jail for a crime he didn’t commit - died of a heart attack a year after him.
“The stress of fighting for justice and the pain over her son’s death literally broke my mother’s heart,” said her other son, Deion.
The impact of police violence stretches beyond the lives of those killed. Their family members, community members, friends, and loved ones are also hurt.
As we fight against racism, and for a truly just criminal justice system, we must remember that we’re all in this together. Because what affects one affects us all.