Source: GoFundMe / GoFundMe
The family of a Black man shot and killed by Southern California Police have launched a GoFundMe to raise money for his children, but it hasn’t received much attention.
On Nov. 19, Brandon Boyd, 38, was shot and killed by Long Beach Police while he was having a mental health crisis. According to authorities, police responded to the area after getting a call and 911 text from Boyd himself, reporting a man with a gun.
“There is a man with a gun right here on 52nd and Atlantic by the church,” he said during the 911 call, according to a police dispatch transcript.
Police said they spent several hours talking to Boyd before things took a turn for the worse. The Long Beach Police Department released body camera footage of the shooting, which shows officers tasking Boyd to keep his hands out of his pockets. After Boyd showed his hands, officers asked him if he had a gun, but he didn’t answer them.
“I’m not here to hurt none of y’all,” Boyd says in the footage. “You guys are only doing your job … I’m not messing with none of y’all.”
Officers responded, seemingly trying to de-escalate the situation.
“Whatever you’re thinking about doing, it’s not worth it okay?” the officer said, “It’s not worth it.” Soon, a hostage negotiator arrived on the scene and took over. Shortly after, Boyd began making suicidal comments, according to authorities.
“I know you’re texting us because you’re having a bad day,” said the negotiator. “I’m having a bad life,” Boyd responded. “I swear I tried to wait for y’all resources … I swear I didn’t want this.”
Police eventually called SWAT resources, who tried to implement an arrest plan involving flash bangs and foam projectiles, but it went horribly wrong.
“Video shows Boyd holding the gun and pointing it at officers after the deployment of the flash bang and foam projectiles,” said police.
According to authorities, after the flash bang and foam projectiles were deployed, Boyd allegedly reached for his gun and fired at officers. Brandon Boyd was killed on the spot. Since his death, his family has been fighting tooth and nail for justice and demanding accountability.
“He was peaceful and in need of help. Despite this, the police decided to escalate the situation by deploying a flash grenade, a violent and unnecessary act that led to the fatal shooting of my big brother,” said Boyd’s sister, Tiffany Boyd.
“He’s leaving behind six children who will now grow up without a father.”
Tiffany also started a GoFundMe to help support his family after his tragic death, but it’s been slow to pick up traction, only so far raising $6,600 of its $30,000 goal.
On the page, Tiffany talks about her brother and his challenges and says her family will never be the same.
“Our family is overwhelmed with grief, trying to make sense of this sudden and heartbreaking loss,” she wrote.
“Brandon had faced many challenges in life, but he was determined to turn things around for the sake of his kids. He was a loving father who worked tirelessly to give his children a better future. On the day he died, after dropping his children off at school – he found himself in the middle of a mental health crisis and called the police for help, but tragically, he didn’t survive.
She continued, “We are humbly asking for your help to cover funeral expenses and support his children. They deserve a future filled with the love and security that Brandon was working so hard to provide. Your donations will go directly toward helping his kids navigate life without their father and supporting our legal efforts to seek justice for Brandon.
The Long Beach Police Department has said an investigation is ongoing and is promising full transparency, but that remains to be seen.
Click here for Brandon Boyd’s GoFundMe.
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