Family of Oshaun Smith demands answers regarding footage of his death allegedly leaked by Jeanerette Police
IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY) -- The family of 22-year-old Oshaun Smith, who was shot and killed in late February in Jeanerette, are demanding answers after footage of his death was reportedly leaked from the Jeanerette Police Department.
"I was mortified," said Oshaun's aunt Samona Drexler after seeing the footage. "I was truly mortified because, you know, that's my nephew. That is not for the public to see."
Oshaun's family says the shooting happened on February 26 near the corner store off of Pellerin Street and Church Street. They say he was driving by, was flagged down, pulled over, went into the store and some altercation occurred.
"What transpired in the store? We are not sure. We did not see that video from inside of the store, but something did take place," Oshaun's mother Demetra Smith said.
Jeanerette police informed the family that footage of Oshaun's death was leaked to the public on March 10. An internal investigation has been opened by an outside law enforcement agency as it is suspected someone within the department leaked the footage.
Oshaun's sister Oshanae Smith believes the leak was not accidental.
"Them leaking the video was not a mistake, it's a violation of trust, of ethics and of the law," said Oshanae. "My family was informed of the leak, and yet nearly a month later, no disciplinary action has been taken. At this point, this is bigger than my family. This is about justice, accountability and the right of every family to grieve in peace without having their trauma exploded."
Oshaun's family says they will not be silent until the people responsible are held accountable. Jeanerette Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. says the investigation is still on going and law enforcement are doing everything they can within the confines of the law to find out who is responsible.
The Forever Oshaun Foundation was created by Oshaun's mother Demetra in honor of him. It is committed to raising awareness and creating change. The foundation will host a gun violence awareness walk on the first Saturday of June.
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