Atlanta City Council Unanimously Urges Release of Bodycam Footage in Controversial Death
The Atlanta City Council has taken a significant step in the case of Johnny Hollman’s controversial death by voting unanimously to urge the Atlanta Police Department (APD) to release the bodycam footage capturing the events leading up to his passing. This decision comes as a victory for Hollman’s family, who have been tirelessly fighting for justice.
Hollman’s daughter, Santeesh Crews-Williams, expressed her belief that the responding Atlanta police officers are responsible for her father’s death. With the council’s support, she sees herself getting closer to proving their culpability. The emotional impact of Hollman’s loss was evident during the council meeting, where the family’s attorney, Mawuli Davis, emphasized the raw grief and pain they have endured.
On August 10, Hollman tragically lost his life after getting into an accident on Cunningham Place in southwest Atlanta. He contacted the police for assistance. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), Hollman became non-compliant when an officer attempted to take him into custody. This led to a physical struggle, and the officer deployed a taser. It was only when the officer noticed Hollman’s unresponsiveness that emergency medical services were summoned.
Attorney Davis called this incident one of Atlanta’s most senseless police killings, stating that the actions that resulted in Hollman being slammed, punched, and tased to death were unthinkable. However, even with the council’s vote in favor of releasing the bodycam footage, there are obstacles in obtaining it. An Atlanta city attorney cited the ongoing nature of the case with the GBI as a reason for not being able to release the footage at this time.
The fight for justice is far from over for Crews-Williams and her family. They recognize the uphill battle they still face, but she remains determined to keep fighting. The City of Atlanta officials must sign the measure, and it remains to be seen whether the APD will comply with the council’s unanimous decision.
In the pursuit of truth and accountability, the release of the bodycam footage could hold crucial evidence in shedding light on the events surrounding Johnny Hollman’s tragic death. The move by the Atlanta City Council signifies a significant step toward transparency and justice in this controversial case. The eyes of the community now turn to the mayor’s decision and await the resolution of the bodycam footage release.
