EDIT: PLEASE READ THE MOST RECENT UPDATE FOR THIS PETITION BEFORE SIGNING.

On February 29, 2020, Las Cruces Police Department officer Christopher Smelser killed Antonio Valenzuela using a "vascular neck restraint", also known as a chokehold. In Minneapolis, MN, George Floyd was killed using a similar method, and both Valenzuela and Floyd died via asphyxiation. Derek Chauvin, the officer directly responsible for Floyd's death, was originally charged with third-degree murder, but that was raised to second-degree when the public applied pressure.

Valenzuela did not "attack Smelser, brandish a weapon or threaten him", according to Bregman. See https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/officer-video-saying-he-ll-choke-you-out-man-dies-n1228886?cid=sm_npd_ms_fb_ma&fbclid=IwAR30bcarT0K9MnvZBkyetgX6uOIn5vyPTodtKv8gGGIfWLrLCR-9MSIdJ5U for more information on Valenzuela's murder.

Body camera evidence shows Smelser saying "I'm going to f***ing choke you out, bro." He is currently charged with involuntary manslaughter, which carries a maximum sentence of 18 months. Valenzuela's family and lawyer, Sam Bregman, believe that Smelser should face second-degree murder charges, which would allow Smelser to face 15 years in prison.

Sign the petition to take a step towards restorative justice for Antonio Valenzuela and his family. In addition, reach out to Doña Ana District Attorney Mark D'Antonio at 575-524-6370 or admin@donaanacountyda.com to demand that the charges against Smelser be increased.