Suspects In Killing Of Joshua Brown Arrested, NAACP Calls For Independent Investigation Of Dallas Police Department

Joshua Brown

Suspects In Killing Of Joshua Brown Arrested, NAACP Calls For Independent Investigation Of Dallas Police Department

The story of 26-year-old slain accountant, Botham Jean, has taken many twists and turns in the media as of late. His murderer, Dallas police officer Amber Guyger, was given only ten years in prison and made even more headlines when she received a hug from Botham’s family, as well as the bailiff and judge after her sentencing.

Just ten days after taking the stand as a key witness to the murder, Botham Jean’s neighbor, Joshua Brown, was shot to death – which some speculate was a direct connection with his testifying against Amber Guyger. Assistant Police Chief Avery Moore attempted to put those rumors to bed in a press conference about Joshua’s murder:

“There’s been speculation and rumors that have been shared by community leaders claiming that Mr. Brown’s death was related to the Amber Guyger trial and somehow the Dallas Police Department was responsible. I assure you that is simply not true. And I encourage those leaders to be mindful of their actions moving forward because their words have jeopardized the integrity of the city of Dallas as well as the Dallas Police Department.”

Police have gathered that Joshua’s killing was the result of a drug deal gone wrong, later finding 12 pounds of marijuana, 143 grams of THC cartridges and $4,000 in cash in his apartment. The suspects named in the case are Jacquerious Mitchell, 20, Michael Mitchell, 32, and Thaddeous Green, 22 — with Michael being the getaway driver. Joshua Brown is said to have taken the first shot at Jacquerious.

The attorney in the center of both the Jean and Brown families is notable civil rights lawyer, S. Lee Merritt. Within the past few years, he has taken on several cases involving discrimination and police brutality, coming out victorious for the victims’ families. He says he hopes to change police’s community culture:

“My goal is to change the culture of policing in America. I put that above the financial outcome. I tell my clients, ‘If you want someone who is going to try to maximize your recovery, you might want to go to a different lawyer.’”

In Joshua Brown’s case, Merritt doesn’t believe that Dallas Police weren’t involved in his murder. He told USA Today: 

“I’m glad that (Dallas police) believe they have the suspects in the Brown killing identified. All I ask is that they have another law enforcement agency take over to make sure all the bases are covered due to the circumstances in this case.”

He released the following statement on behalf of the Brown family:

Suspects Michael and Jacquerious Mitchell have been arrested. 

theJasmineBRAND is offering thoughts and prayers to all families involved.

Written by Miata Shanay