On March 18, 2023, 17-year-old Dalaneo Martin was shot and killed by U.S. Park Police in Washington, D.C. Despite the tragedy, his mother has been blocked from filing a wrongful death claim or being named the personal representative of his estate — simply because of legal technicalities.

This is unacceptable. No parent should be denied the right to seek justice for their child. The current legal framework in Washington, D.C., specifically the sections cited under DC Code 2701 and 2703, fail to provide a path to justice for grieving families caught in this bureaucratic loophole. It is crucial to reform these laws to allow families to pursue legal claims when their loved ones are wrongfully taken from them.

The "Dalano Martin Wrongful Death Act" is a proposed legislative change that would address this grave injustice. This act aims to amend the limitations and restrictions that currently prevent family members of the deceased from seeking rightful claims for wrongful deaths at the hands of law enforcement. Such reform is not only necessary but overdue in ensuring accountability and transparency in law enforcement-related fatalities.

Passing this act will empower families like Dalaneo's to ensure their voices are heard and their grievances addressed. It will serve as a necessary step in rectifying the systemic failures that allow such injustices to persist. Moreover, it will set a precedent for other states to follow, emphasizing the importance of correcting legal processes that hinder justice.

Support the passing of the Delano Martin Waffle Death Act to honor Dalaneo's memory and to bring about a change vital for justice and for all families who have experienced similar loss and heartache. Sign this petition to show lawmakers that we stand united in demanding legislative change that prioritizes justice for victims of wrongful death.