DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- The Dallas Oversight Committee Board meeting opened with public comment after the first public meeting erupted in chaos between activists groups and police after the board didn’t take any comment. A large line wrapped around the room with people voicing their concerns and some support for the board. The family of Diamond Ross, a woman who died in police custody in August 2018, spoke out at the meeting.
Ross’ niece Kia’Tenia Thomas told board members about the mistreatment of Ross while in police custody and demands answers for the bruises left on her body. “For her to ask multiple times for water and help…no one thought to help her throughout the process- my aunt could still be here today…God gave her a chance but y’all didn’t,” Thomas said. “Y’all laid her on the pavement outside the Marshal’s Office,” she said.
Dallas Police Released the Video of the 34-year-old woman asking for help in the hours before she died.
Dominique Alexander with Next Generation Action Network also spoke about the department’s insensitive actions to release the videos of Ross, without showing the family first. “The gorilla that died at the Dallas Zoo was treated better than Diamond Ross,” Alexander said. “First Generation Action Network will not stop until that officer resigns and this board speaks- and we will also be taking this to city council,” he said.
Chairman of the Oversight Board, Jesuorobo Enobakhare, gave his condolences to the family members and said board members will weigh what they can to fix this problem.
Ross’ mother was there but did not comment. Enobakhare said his thoughts and prayers are with her. “No parent should have to bury their child,” he said.
