PUBLIC PETITION FOR INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO OFFICER-INVOLVED   SHOOTING AND SYSTEMIC ACCOUNTABILITY IN ELKHART COUNTY, INDIANA  To:  ●      The United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division  ●      The Governor of the State of Indiana  ●      The Indiana Attorney General  ●      The Honorable Judges of Elkhart County  ●      The City of Elkhart and Elkhart County Elected Leadership   We, the undersigned residents and community members, respectfully petition for immediate federal, state, and independent intervention to ensure transparency, impartiality, and public trust  in the administration of justice in Elkhart County, Indiana.   1.  IMMEDIATE REQUEST — FEDERAL AND STATE INTERVENTION IN THE  SHOOTING OF 17-YEAR-OLD BRYAN AXEL RAMIREZ GOMEZ   We formally request:   A. United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Investigation
 Pursuant to federal authority to investigate potential civil rights violations under 34 U.S.C. §   12601 (federal pattern-or-practice authority) and related civil rights statutes, we request that the  DOJ Civil Rights Division conduct an independent review of the circumstances surrounding the  officer-involved shooting death of Bryan Axel Ramirez Gomez.   B. Executive Intervention by the Governor of Indiana
 We respectfully request that the Governor exercise executive authority to:  ●      Directly or formally request independent investigative leadership by an external law  enforcement agency  ●      Ensure investigative independence where conflicts or appearance of conflicts may  reasonably be perceived  ●      Support appointment of a Special Prosecutor if not already secured   C. Appointment of an Independent Special Prosecutor
 Under Indiana Code § 33-39-10, a court may appoint a Special Prosecutor when impartiality may  reasonably be questioned or when the interests of justice require independent review.   We respectfully request:  ●      Voluntary prosecutorial recusal OR ●      Judicial appointment of a prosecutor from outside Elkhart County   Independent prosecutorial review is necessary to ensure public confidence in investigative and  charging decisions.   2. BASIS FOR REQUESTING INDEPENDENT OVERSIGHT
 This petition is grounded in community concern regarding:  ●      Potential conflicts arising from professional working relationships between prosecutorial  authorities and involved law enforcement personnel  ●      Publicly reported discrepancies between witness accounts and official statements  ●      Ongoing public controversy and litigation involving prosecutorial and investigative  conduct  ●      Documented historical case integrity concerns, including past exonerations linked to  investigative misconduct   These concerns do not predetermine the outcome of any investigation. They demonstrate the  need for independent review to preserve legitimacy, fairness, and public confidence.   Independent oversight protects both the public and law enforcement by ensuring objective  fact-finding. Independent review enhances legitimacy regardless of investigative outcome.   3. REQUEST FOR FEDERAL REVIEW OF SYSTEMIC PRACTICES
 We respectfully request that the U.S. Department of Justice evaluate whether a broader pattern or  practice review is warranted regarding law enforcement and prosecutorial practices in Elkhart  County.   Federal review is appropriate where systemic concerns regarding constitutional policing,  investigative integrity, or prosecutorial impartiality are alleged.   4. LONG-TERM STRUCTURAL ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES
 We request that Elkhart County leadership implement permanent safeguards to ensure transparency and public trust:   A. Independent Case Review Panel
 A neutral body authorized to review past and current cases where credible concerns have been  raised regarding investigative or prosecutorial integrity.  B.  Mandatory Independent Prosecutor for Officer-Involved Fatalities   Automatic appointment of an outside prosecutor in all officer-involved death cases.  C.  Mandatory External Investigative Agency   Formal policy requiring independent investigative leadership in officer-involved shootings.   D. Public Transparency Standards
 Clear and consistent public release timelines for body-camera footage consistent with Indiana  public access law (Indiana Code § 5-14-3).   E. Independent Civilian Oversight Board   Community-based review of critical incidents and policy compliance.   5. STATEWIDE LEGISLATIVE REFORM
 We urge Indiana state officials and legislators to establish uniform statewide standards requiring:  ●      Independent investigation of officer-involved deaths  ●      Automatic Special Prosecutor appointment in such cases  ●      Statewide transparency requirements  ●      Independent case integrity review mechanisms   6. PURPOSE OF THIS PETITION
 This petition seeks:  ●      Independent investigation  ●      Transparent fact-finding  ●      Protection of constitutional rights  ●      Structural accountability  ●      Restoration and preservation of public trust   Independent oversight strengthens legitimate investigations and ensures justice is both done and  seen to be done.   7. FORMAL REQUEST FOR ACTION   We respectfully call upon:   The U.S. Department of Justice   Initiate a civil rights review and determine whether a federal investigation is warranted.   The Governor of Indiana   Exercise executive authority to ensure independent investigation and prosecutorial review.   The Elkhart County Judiciary   Appoint an independent Special Prosecutor if necessary to preserve impartiality.   Elkhart County and City Leadership
 Implement long-term accountability and oversight reforms.   Justice requires independence. Public trust requires transparency. Constitutional governance  requires accountability and impartial oversight.   We respectfully submit this petition and request immediate action.