We, the undersigned, call for immediate action to address a grave injustice. We demand that Officer Devin Inocencio of the Houston Police Department's North Belt Crime Suppression Team be charged and held accountable for the tragic and unacceptable shooting of four unarmed black men. 

 

Background Information: 

Officer Devin Inocencio has been involved in multiple fatal shootings during his six years on the force. Published reports indicate the following incidents: 

 

1.       February 2022: Officer Inocencio was involved in the shooting that killed 27-year-old Charion Lockett. 

2.       August 2022: A release from the Houston Police Department (HPD) confirmed that Officer Inocencio was part of the team that shot and killed a 52-year-old man accused of kidnapping a woman. 

3.       March 2023: 44-year-old Roosevelt Overton was shot while running away from a robbery. 

4.       April 2023: 19-year-old Dontel Thompson was shot multiple times in his back, hand, and arms while trying to flee. 

 

There are three critical facts that link all these tragic incidents: 

1.       All of the victims were unarmed black men. 

2.       All of the victims were shot from behind. 

3.       All of the victims were shot by Officer Devin Inocencio. 

 

Call to Action: 

We urge the Harris County District Attorney's Office and the Houston Police Department 

Internal Affairs to: 

1.       Conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the shootings. 

2.       Charge Officer Devin Inocencio with the appropriate criminal charges for these unjustified shootings. 

3.       Ensure that Officer Inocencio is suspended without pay pending the outcome of the investigation. 

4.       Implement policies and training to prevent such incidents in the future. 

 

Justification: 

The repeated occurrence of such incidents underlines a severe issue within our law enforcement practices, particularly concerning racial bias and the use of excessive force. The tragic deaths of Charion Lockett, a 52-year-old man, Roosevelt Overton, and Dontel Thompson are stark reminders of the urgent need for 

accountability and reform.  

 

Al Sharpton once said, "We're not anti-police... we're anti-police brutality." This sentiment resonates deeply within our community, which seeks safety and protection from those sworn to serve and protect us, not violate our civil rights, and kill us.  

 Similarly, KRS-One poignantly asked, "You were put here to protect us, but who protects us from you?" This question captures the profound sense of vulnerability and mistrust felt by many in our community. 

It is imperative that we take a strong stand against these injustices to prevent further harm to our community and to uphold the principles of justice and equality. These incidents have not only caused immeasurable pain to the families of the victims but have also eroded public trust in our law enforcement agencies. Holding Officer Inocencio accountable is a crucial step in restoring that trust and ensuring that justice is served. 

 

Conclusion: 

By signing this petition, we stand united in our demand for justice. We seek immediate action to charge Officer Devin Inocencio and prevent future occurrences of such tragic events. Let this petition be a testament to our commitment to justice, equality, and the protection of all members of our community.