LA jury enters phase one of Jesse Romero case

Los Angeles, CA – The civil trial by Jesse Romero’s parents against LAPD officer Eden Medina and the City of Los Angeles started at the U.S. Courthouse on November 13. After five days of dramatic testimony and police video recordings, as of mid-day November 19, the jury has reported they are not agreeing yet on a decision. It appears the jury is split and the judge has asked them to continue deliberating.

Jesse Romero was 14 years old when LAPD officer Eden Medina shot and killed him. This happened on August 9, 2016, at a very busy intersection in Boyle Heights. Testimony during the trial included an eye-witness who saw Romero surrendering with his hands up, as Officer Medina shot him twice. Officer Medina killed two young Chicanos within two weeks, Romero being his second victim.

The eight-member jury began deliberations into Friday evening, and returned today, Monday, November 19. Around 11:30 this morning, the jury stated they were not unanimous on a decision. As of now the jury has returned to deliberations in the hopes that a unanimous decision is made. If there is not a unanimous decision, a mistrial or hung jury may occur.

Sol Márquez is a member of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, Centro CSO, and a fighter for Chicano liberation.