Family Seeks Release of Bodycam Footage in Alabama Police Shooting

Eighteen-year-old Jabari Peoples was fatally shot by a Homewood, Alabama police officer on June 23 during an attempted arrest for marijuana possession, with police claiming he grabbed a gun during a struggle, while the family disputes these claims and says he was unarmed and shot in the back. The family has repeatedly sought the release of body camera footage and other investigation materials to clarify the circumstances, but their requests have been denied citing an ongoing investigation, fueling suspicions and calls for transparency. Legal counsel for the family has filed a petition to compel the city to release the footage and related documents as part of a potential wrongful death and civil rights lawsuit. Community members, including hundreds attending vigils and protests, are demanding justice and accountability, emphasizing that the family was not promptly informed of Jabari's death or allowed to authorize an autopsy. Authorities have said the investigation remains active, with the Jefferson County district attorney set to decide if the officer's use of force was justified. The family’s attorney has warned that without transparency, they will pursue legal action to obtain the evidence and hold officials accountable.