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As the funeral today brings together those who grieve a life cut short, there remains too much uncertainty about the circumstances surrounding the death of 17-year-old Javon Dawson. Two weeks after the raucous party where he was shot and killed by a St. Petersburg police officer, his family, the police investigators and the entire community deserve to know more. That can only happen if silent witnesses speak up and if investigators begin sharing more about what they have learned.
Dawson was shot, according to the initial police reports, after firing a gun in the air and then pointing it toward a police officer who told him to drop the weapon. The officer fired twice, hitting Dawson in the shoulder and lower back and killing him.
Though the party included some 250 potential young witnesses, not a single one has stepped forward to talk with police. Not one. Their silence is compounded by the International People's Democratic Uhuru Movement leader Omali Yeshitela, who has turned tragedy into theater with his unsupported claims that Dawson was unarmed and overheated rhetoric that widens the gap between the community and law enforcement. Yeshitela, who ran for mayor in 2001, has yet to produce any evidence or witnesses to support his explosive claims.
Church and political leaders in the predominantly black community where Dawson lived have been doing their part to encourage witnesses to step forward. Police and prosecutors could help by disclosing what they know.
Investigators already have released a photo of the revolver and three spent shells they say were recovered near Dawson's body. It would be prudent to disclose any other forensic evidence, including autopsy results, that bears on whether Dawson held the weapon and on the angle at which the bullets entered his body. Given the intensity of emotion surrounding this case and the swirling accusations, investigators have an obligation to keep the public informed. Disclosure may also encourage some witnesses to step forward. Holding back and creating a vacuum the Uhurus are only too happy to fill hasn't helped.
Nothing will erase this tragedy, but witnesses who have refused to talk to investigators would be honoring Dawson's memory if they stepped forward.
[Last modified: Jun 23, 2008 09:41 AM]
Comments on this article
by MB
Jun 23, 2008 9:41 AM
They won't speak up because they are cowards who cannot think for theirselves yet.
by Pops
Jun 23, 2008 9:41 AM
If the Uhurus want to be taken seriously they need to step up to the plate and speak out again the violence and crimes committed by black people. Until they do they're just blowing smoke and will be ignored by the majority.
by Pete
Jun 23, 2008 9:41 AM
If you feel the Uhuru are right in their actions one must go read just what they believe in. It sounds like Hitler all over again. Sometimes it sounds more like Uhuru stands for Understadning Hate Underlining Racial Unity. yet it means freedom
by JohnC
Jun 23, 2008 9:41 AM
The mutual distrust -- the alienation -- between police and young Black males has its roots in the selective enforcement of antidrug law. You want Blacks to come forward? Start by breaking down some doors to make drug arrests in White areas.
by Abbi
Jun 23, 2008 9:41 AM
The investigators are keeping quiet about what they found so they can correlate the witness testimony. DUH! I'm just waiting to see how much more of a hold the Uhhuhs are going to dig for themselves with this.
by jimmy
Jun 23, 2008 9:41 AM
So, have we seen the pendulum swing full cycle? Do we now have to fear a black group that's the African equivalent of the KKK?
by Leo
Jun 23, 2008 9:41 AM
The smoking gun is not enough? Why should the police release any more information about thier ongoing investigation? So the roo roo's can coach their witnesses to lie around the facts? Facts that they will dispute and spin to their liking anyway
by Leo
Jun 23, 2008 9:41 AM
It would not be prudent to disclose information gained during an ONGOING investigation. This is not normal practice for any homicide investigation and there should be no exceptions. Especially for reasons of unsubstantiated and baseless alligations.
by Brian
Jun 23, 2008 9:40 AM
"Stop Snitching" is alive and well, I see. I think the main problem is that people are afraid to die and/or afraid to look weak by telling the truth. Instead each of the 250 partiers look like the absolute worst humankind can offer up.
by Mikes
Jun 23, 2008 9:40 AM
Maybe the 'witnesses' know the truth lies with the police and that's why they are keeping mum. They don't want to help the police and 'rat out' their peer.
by Bill
Jun 23, 2008 9:40 AM
The simple truth is no one saw anything and if they did they will lie to protect their own. Again the Uhuru have promised infomation and done nothing, but cry foul. They talk like a broken record and never have any answers
by joe tampa
Jun 23, 2008 9:40 AM
Blacks show their inability to manage themselves ever time something like this happens. Ignore the facts- blame whitey! And so we tend to ignore what they say as more of the same nonsense.
by Kim
Jun 23, 2008 9:40 AM
Given the intensity of emotions.. investigators have an obligation.I think not..no matter what until proven otherwise and the teens cooperate only then police can complete their case properly. Not public opinion or URUHU will determine outcome.
by jimmy
Jun 23, 2008 9:40 AM
there are tragic aspects to this story. It would have been really tragic if the officer had not asserted his authority. Young Javon paid the ultimate price for failing to respect the officer's badge.
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