Over 600,000 Supporters Help Release Virgilio Aguilar Mendez from Prison

In a resounding victory for justice, over 600,000 supporters helped secure the release of Virgilio Aguilar Mendez, an 18-year-old Indigenous-Maya teen from Florida. Arrested following the death of Sergeant Michael Kunovich, Virgilio was eventually cleared of charges. The case drew nationwide attention and brought to light concerns related to indigenous communities, police practices, and broader systemic issues.

On May 19, 2023, Virgilio was outside the motel where he was staying when Sergeant Kunovich approached him, deeming him suspicious. Despite Virgilio’s attempts to communicate that he didn’t understand English and was a resident of the motel, the situation escalated into an eight-minute altercation during which Virgilio was physically harmed and tased by several officers. 

Shortly after the incident, Sergeant Kunovich experienced a heart attack and passed away at the hospital. Despite the medical examiner’s conclusion that the cause of death was natural, Virgilio was charged with aggravated manslaughter of a police officer by the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney for the 7th Judicial Circuit of Florida.

The Powerful Impact of a Grassroots Movement

Started by Mariana Blanco of the Guatemalan-Maya Center, this Change.org petition called for Virgilio’s immediate release from custody and for the charges to be dropped. The injustices Mariana cited include violations of Virgilio’s constitutional and civil rights by the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office. The petition quickly gained traction, drawing support from over 600,000 people and garnering celebrity attention, which further amplified its reach.

Spotlighting Systemic Issues: Police Brutality and Cultural Bias

This victory underscores the immense power of collective action in galvanizing supporters and influencing decision makers. It also served as a powerful platform to spotlight broader systemic issues. According to Mariana, the treatment of indigenous migrants in the justice system often reflects deep-seated biases and a lack of cultural sensitivity, leading to unjust outcomes. This case highlights the pervasive problem of police brutality, where excessive force and aggressive tactics are disproportionately used against marginalized communities. By bringing these critical issues to light, the petition has ignited a necessary conversation about the need for comprehensive reforms in our justice and law enforcement systems.

The Petition Inspires Letters of Solidarity and Hope

The petition also inspired a wave of community support that extended beyond signatures. People from across the country wrote letters to Virgilio while he was in prison, lifting his spirits and providing much-needed encouragement during a difficult time. This outpouring of solidarity demonstrated the profound impact of collective empathy and support, reinforcing the importance of standing together in the face of injustice.

A Victory for Justice: The Release of Virgilio Aguilar Mendez

Through the collective efforts of Virgilio’s legal team, family, the Guatemalan-Maya Center, and the supporters of this petition, he was released from prison with his charges dropped. The victory for Virgilio is a powerful testament to the impact of grassroots activism and the potential for change when people come together for a common cause. It serves as a reminder that our voices matter and that we can make a difference.

This victory is not just about one individual – Virgilio’s case and the petition calling for his release ignited a conversation about systemic injustice and for the rights of all individuals, no matter where they come from. People like Mariana and the 600K signers on her petition demonstrate that Change.org is a platform where people can fight for their vision of a just and equitable society.Do you want to make a change for your cause? Start a Change.org petition today!