Members of the Florida Black Caucus are asking for an independent investigation into the shooting death of a Palm Beach County man. 31-year-old Corey Jones’ car was stalled near an I-95 exit ramp early Sunday. He was killed after an encounter with a plain-clothes officer in an unmarked car. Riviera Beach Democratic Representative Bobby Powell is pushing for another agency to investigate:
“We believe an independent and thorough investigation by an outside agency would restore the confidence to the citizens of the community who are most affected by this tragedy," he said.
The Palm Beach Gardens Police Department says its officer was investigating what he thought was an abandoned car when he was confronted by Jones, who had a gun. The shooting is the latest involving a person of color and an officer.
"Once again another young black man has been killed while being someplace he rightfully belonged in our state," said caucus President, Rep. Ed Narain.
He says it look law enforcement more than 15 hours to notify Jones' family and no statements on the shooting were released for two days.
Some Florida lawmakers say it bolsters their case for officers to require police to wear body cameras. Governor Rick Scott is offering Florida Department of Law Enforcement assistance and says his office is monitoring the case. The Attorney General's Office is investigating the shooting as well as the Palm Beach County Police Department.
