Protesting the Murder of Jose-Ramirez-Jimenez

author : James Pellegrino topic : Police Brutality | Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan

by James Pellegrino

On November 19 a popular assembly organized at the corner of Water Street and Fourth Avenue in downtown Olympia. The group held signs reading No Police Brutality and marched towards the Olympia Police Department headquarters. Gathering in support of the family of José Ramírez-Jiménez, who was shot and killed by the OPD on the night of November 15, the group paraded in a heavy rain.

Solemnly the crowd chanted “No Justice No Peace, No Killer Police.” Some of those involved in the march passed out handbills describing the circumstance around Jose's death, others talked amongst themselves, but many walked in silence.

Upon arriving at the OPD headquarters, the group gathered outside of the adjoining city council steps. Miguel Rodriguez of the Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan (MEChA) thanked everyone for their participation in the march and explained the circumstance behind Jose's death. “As far as what the media has released, he was a suspect and the police attempted to stop José while driving. After he pulled over, his girlfriend was removed from the car. It was not clear how he was killed or if he was killed inside of the car.” Rodriguez added, “The reason why we are out here today is to build community awareness around the death of José Ramírez-Jiménez. We feel that if there is an investigation by Thurston County, then José won’t receive justice. So we are calling for an independent investigation to be conducted outside of the police force.”

Miguel thanked everyone for participating in the assembly and encouraged the group to attend the city council meeting set for the following Tuesday. A candle was lit in memory of José, and the crowd chanted “Ain't no power like the power of the people” before dispersing.

On that Tuesday, November 25, many people from the original assembly, as well as others who had heard of the death of Jose, attended the city council meeting. Two attendees, Filemon Bohmer-Tapia and Brendan Dunn, testified before the council. They called upon the council to authorize an independent investigation into José's death. "We will be watching closely," stated Bohmer-Tapia, "and we will demand justice."

It is likely that those concerned about the death of Jose will have a long battle with the city council. None of the elected members spoke about the incident aside from Mayor Mah who asked the police chief how the investigation will take place.

The investigation will be conducted by the Lacey Police Department. After the investigation is completed by the LPD, the police auditor will review the case to ensure that the investigation was conducted in full. The police auditor will be contracted from outside of the Olympia community. These procedures did little to satisfy those in attendance at the meeting.

When asked how he felt about the meeting, Bohmer-Tapia responded that those in Olympia concerned about the shooting of José should continue to attend the weekly city council meetings when possible. “We have to help ourselves and our community, and we cannot rely on the police or the city council to handle this situation,” said Bohmer-Tapia, “We’ll just have to keep putting pressure on the city council.”

If you would like more information about the effort to secure Justice for Jose, please contact The Chicano Student Movement of Aztlan (MEChA) at tescmecha@yahoo.com