Stephon Clark Shot and Killed By Police In His Own Backyard

Photo via Facebook/Stephon Clark

Will this ever end?! California police shot and killed an unarmed black man, Stephon Clark was in his own backyard. Similarly, In 2015 a San Bernardino County deputy fatally shot unarmed Nathanael Pickett at his place of residence.

On Sunday, officers received a call about a man breaking car windows in the Sacramento area and were told the suspect was about 6-foot-1, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. The city’s sheriff’s department helicopter reported seeing the 22-year-old in a backyard and he matched the description.

Photo via Facebook – Stevonte Clark

According to their original press release officers say they approached Clark and ordered him to show his hands, but he ran away. Police ran after the suspect who allegedly turned around and began advancing toward them “while holding an object which was extended in front of him.”

Police assumed the object was a gun and fired at the father 0f two 20 times. In an updated release police said that there was no firearm at the scene and that the “weapon” turned out to be Clark’s cell phone. Clark joins the long list of unarmed black men who have been fatally shot by police. According to a study by the Washington Post, in the last year 20 unarmed black men in the Unites States have fallen victim to this tragedy.

Both officers involved in Clark’s shooting have been placed on paid leave. They were wearing body cameras at the time, and police say that the footage is being prepared for release to the public. The truth will soon come to light! Celebrities such as Wanda Sykes have tweeted in outrage about the shooting.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Clark’s loved ones. #JusticeForStephonClark

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