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Demonstrators Demand Trial For Officer Who Killed Unarmed Man

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) -- A march and public tribunal were held Saturday night for 35-year-old Kevin Matthews, the unarmed man who was shot and killed by a Dearborn police officer on December 23.

The group started near Tireman and Whitcomb -- where the murder took place -- and ended their march at New Vision Missionary Baptist Church, where a public tribunal was held.

By Any Means Necessary Coalition organizer Jose Alvarenga said that they hope to put the police officer on trial and win justice for Matthews with Saturday's events.

"We're marching demanding that the police officer who killed Kevin Matthews be sent to jail for the racist murder that he committed," Alvarenga said. "Also demanding a stop of the harassment of Dearborn police on the Detroit community as well."

Police say Matthews — who was unarmed — struggled with the unidentified Dearborn officer following a foot chase from that city into a nearby Detroit backyard. Officials add Matthews was involved in an earlier larceny in Dearborn and was wanted on a misdemeanor warrant in Redford Township.

Though the shooting took place within Detroit city limits and Detroit police are investigating the incident, some of those among the protesters said that they plan to boycott the city of Dearborn and its businesses until they get answers.

Matthews' supporters are hoping to eventually see dashboard camera footage of the incident. The officer involved in the incident is currently on administrative leave.

 

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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