December 21, 2018
Friday AM

Join Cody Eyre's Grandmother, Linda Downs as she leads a protest concerning the wrongful death of her grandson and advocating for law enforcement reform and accountability on the steps of the Capitol Building this Christmas Eve 6 PM - 7 PM.

This Christmas Eve marks the one year anniversary of Cody's passing after being shot at over 40 times by both Fairbanks Police and State Troopers after his mother made a wellness call concerning his safety. In the last year, the only evidence from the night of his death that has been released is a short video clip of the body camera footage that was given to the press. The family needs access to the rest of the evidence package including; the state autopsy report, the police report, his medical records, his personal belongings, the FULL body camera footage, the audio from all the officers involved, and the audio from the 911 call, so that a fair investigation into his death can finally begin.

We would also like to begin the discussion on why mandatory Crisis Interventional Training (CIT) for all officers in the state of Alaska is so important, as Alaska is often ranked the number one state for suicide. It is important to be able to differentiate between someone who is having a mental health emergency and someone acting with criminal intent.

Linda Downs is Inupiaq and the matriarch of the family. She will be leading the protest on the Capitol Steps in Juneau. At the same time, her daughter and grandaughters will be leading a protest in Fairbanks retracing Cody's final walk ending at his memorial site where his Father will lead a candle light vigil. Please dress warmly and don't forget to bring a flash light or wear reflective gear on your personal body or put it on your protest sign as it will be dark out.

When you lose a family member, the holiday traditions that you had with them are lost as well. Join us as we begin the start of a new holiday tradition this Christmas Eve, fighting for what is morally right and fair. Happy Holidays, Linda Downs and family

Linda Downs and family
Juneau, Alaska

About: Linda Downs worked for Tlingit and Haida in Headstart program for 21 years, as a health coordinator, school bus inspector, family visitor, family services coordinator, health and nutrition coordinator and transportation coordinator. She also worked as a Registered Nurse at Alaska Native Medical Center. She is leading this protest to speak out about her grandson and my brothers wrongful death, please read the full description on the event page, and help to spread the word.

Editor's Note:

The text of this letter was NOT edited by the SitNews Editor.

Received December 16, 2018 - Published December 21, 2018

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