The parents of former Florida A&M student Jamee Johnson came to the state Capitol Thursday seeking help from black lawmakers.
Johnson was killed by a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office deputy on Dec. 14th during what authorities say was an altercation after a traffic stop.
During a Thursday press conference, Johnson’s parents were joined by state Reps. Shervin Jones of West Park, Ramon Alexander of Tallahassee, Bruce Antone of Orlando, Geraldine Thompson of Windemere and Kim Daniels of Jacksonville
“Today, as a member of the Florida House and a citizen of Florida, I ask, ‘What would I do if Jamee was my relative,’” Jones said. “I would probably be doing the same thing this family is doing … Standing here, hoping for closure.”
Alexander, who represents FAMU in the house, demanded that questions be answered with his list of demands. He has also called for an independent investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
“There are a lot of questions that have not been answered,” Alexander said. “We are requesting an independent investigation from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. We also want to get access to the (body camera) tapes..and, let’s be clear unedited access to the tapes.”
Jacksonville authorities reported that Johnson, who still lived in an apartment in Tallahassee not far from the FAMU campus, was pulled over during then late afternoon and was told to get out of his vehicle. He reportedly told officers he had a gun in the car.
Police said Johnson exited the vehicle and a “struggle ensued.” Johnson went back to his vehicle, accelerated toward a deputy while reaching for the gun.
According to Johnson’s parents, he was shot four times.
Kimberly Austin, the mother of Jamee Johnson, said the family’s mission is to find out what happened to her son since JSO has never reached out to her about the shooting.
“To this day, JSO has never contacted me since he was driving my vehicle, and it’s hard for me to do anything not knowing what happened to my child,” said Austin.”All I want to know what happened in those five minutes of his life. At least someone reach out to me to tell me what happened. This is my only mission to find out what happened to my son.”