Atatiana Jefferson
Atatiana Jefferson was a 28-year-old woman from Fort Worth, Texas. A graduated Biology major, Jefferson was remembered as a thoughtful and caring woman. However, after an act of impulse by authorities, her life was cut short.
In the early morning of October 12 2019, Jefferson was in her home, playing video games with her nephew. One of Jefferson's neighbors, James Smith, decided to call the police after his children notified him of their neighbor's doors still being open.
Arriving at the scene was 35-year-old officer Aaron Dean. He circled to the back of the home, where he then shot Jefferson. As per BBC, Dean simply stated "Put your hands up, show me your hands!" and never stated he was a police officer.
A firearm in Jefferson's home was also reported at the scene, however this was deemed irrelevant by Fort Worth city leaders and police, according to USA Today.
Dean had a questionable past in the police force, and even was accused of assault prior to beginning his career in the police force. These offenses were essentially swept under the rug, and in the end, cost an innocent woman's life.
Shortly after the incident, Dean resigned from his job, and was later released on bond.
Following the incident, protests scoured Fort Worth during the month of October, demanding that senseless brutality among the police force come to an end. Movements were also created after Jefferson's death, including the Atatiana Project, furthering involvement in STEM involvement among children. This project, and others, aim to end police brutality through means of education.
Movements were also created after Jefferson's death, including the Atatiana Project, furthering involvement in STEM involvement among children. This project, and others, aim to end police brutality through means of education.
Atatiana Jefferson was killed in a senseless act of violence. With its root being in bias and carelessness, stories like Atatiana's shouldn't be pushed to the side.
Author: Imaan Niazi
Contact thettsproject@gmail.com to report misinformation, bias, etc.
Resources
https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-53052917
https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/19/us/atatiana-jefferson-funeral-temporary-delayed/index.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/stories-53052917
https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/20/us/atatiana-jefferson-death-officer-indicted/index.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/13/us/fort-worth-texas-shooting-jefferson.html