After news broke that the three former officers involved in the mocking photo of Elijah McClain’s chokehold were fired, the latter’s family spoke out about the situation.
Dena McClain, who’s Elijah’s cousin, explained that she was angered that the cops, who actually held her late relative in a chokehold, were still employed. “All of the police at that department are under the same union, taught the same ways; that needs to end,” she said. “Elijah is in the world’s heart now. If it affects the world this way to see Elijah’s murder on video, imagine how it hurts our family’s heart to see his murder the same way.”
She added that she wants terminations for everyone who played a role in her cousin’s untimely death. “Everyone who was there and sat around while Eli cried for his dear life must be terminated,” she explained. “Although we are not satisfied with the outcome given by APD Friday, it is a step in the right direction.”
On Saturday (July 4), Fox News identified the former officers in the photo as Kyle Dittrich, Erica Morrera and Jason Rosenblatt. Earlier this week, Jaron Jones, who was hired by the department four years ago, resigned for his involvement in the photograph.
“In response to inquiries by the press, Jones, hired October 31, 2016; tendered his resignation,” the Aurora Police Department tweeted. “Jones was one of the employees involved and depicted in the photograph investigation related to #ElijahMcClain. We will continue to update with developments as we proceed.”
Like Dena, community organizer and family friend Terrence Roberts shared a similar sentiment, adding that the cops linked to Elijah’s death should be dealt with appropriately. “Rosenblatt got fired not for killing Elijah, not for murdering Elijah, but for making fun of Elijah,” Roberts said to the Associated Press. “That is the culture that we’re fighting, where a police officer can murder a Black man, a Black child, and keep his job and stay on the force so he can go make fun of this child.”