Family of Black man slain by Aurora police blames Denver, too

LaRonda Jones, wife of Kilyn Lewis, addresses the Denver City Council Monday.Photo byDenver 8/City and County of Denver

The family of a Black man slain by Aurora police last month while they served a warrant for attempted homicide told Denver officials Monday “blood is on the hands” of the Denver Police Department, too.

Family members of Kilyn Lewis who spoke, as well as activist Auontai Anderson, said Denver convinced the District Attorney’s office to issue a warrant. La Ronda Jones, Lewis' mother, described and expressed the stress and trauma that comes along with talking daily to police detectives about her son's death. She said her son still would be alive today if Denver had not pushed for what they believed was a flimsy warrant. "Had they done their job thoroughly I assure you no warrant would have been issued,” Jones said. "I won't have peace until justice is served for my son Kilyn Lewis."

Lewis was shot dead by a single officer's bullet when he reached for his cell phone, according to police. His hands were up and he repeatedly pleaded "I don't have nothing," according to the police video. The officer, Michael Dieck, is on paid administrative leave, according to Police Chief Heather Morris.

Lewis's wife: System stacked against him

Anndrec Lewis, Kilyn Lewis' wife, said she believes the system was against her husband from the start. She said Denver pursued the warrant like it was "a job" with no regard for the person being served. "I could sit up here and say help me, help me, help me, but I don't know if you guys even care."

Anderson said if the council wants to avoid disruptions like the group caused last week at the Aurora City Council meeting, they should listen. “Hopefully you will have answers for us the next time we approach council.”

The crowd left peacefully Monday after the 30-minute public comment period ended. They said they would return next week.

Group shuts down Aurora meeting

For three weeks, supporters of Kilyn Lewis have attended Aurora City Council meetings. They have become unruly at times and caused the mayor to call recesses several times to restore order.

That happened again last week. The council removed from the agenda a proposal by council member Alison Coombs to issue the slain man’s family an apology. Only Coombs and council member Crystal Murillo voted to keep the proposal on the agenda.

Residents unknowingly forfeit chance to speak

Prior to public comment period, Mayor Mike Coffman gave lengthy rules surrounding speaking. The rules included only speaking to non-agenda items during public comment. So as dozens of names were called to the podium, one by one they came, most of them with their hands up, and yielded their time so they could speak on the proposed apology. But that occurred before the council voted to remove the item from the agenda. So essentially, the crowd was muted. Some might have felt tricked.

“We tried to give you the opportunity to do the right thing,” Anderson boomed from the audience. “Now this meeting becomes ours.” Then the crowd began to chant “Say his name! Kilyn Lewis!” And the council immediately left the chambers.

When video of the meeting resumed, the council had moved to the study session room of City Hall. Coombs and Murillo were absent. Council member Ruben Medina was absent from the entire meeting.