BAYTOWN, Texas – The family of a woman who was fatally shot by a Baytown officer was joined by attorney Ben Crump one month after she was killed.
Pamela Turner was shot by Officer Juan Delacruz around 10:40 p.m. May 13 at The Brixton Apartments on Garth Road near Park Street after a struggle.
Delacruz was patrolling the area when he encountered Turner, whom he knew had warrants out for her arrest, authorities said.
Police said Delacruz attempted to arrest Turner but she resisted and after a brief confrontation Delacruz fired five shots at Turner, killing her.
After the shooting, Turner’s family members spoke out, saying she was not a bad person.
During a news conference held a few days after the shooting, Crump, who is representing her family, called Turner’s death an “unjustifiable execution."
“The Baytown police sought to criminalize Pamela Turner,” Crump said. “The family seeks to humanize her.”
Crump and Turner’s family ordered an independent autopsy, and the results showed she was shot three times – in her cheek, chest and abdomen. The shots to the chest and abdomen were fatal.
"Pamela Turner was lying on the ground helpless and the officer was out of harm’s way when he shot and shot and shot and shot and shot," Crump said. "She posed no imminent threat to the officer. There is nothing anyone can say to justify this killing. The officer looked her in the face and shot her dead when it was unnecessary for him to do so. It’s right there on the video. We are outraged and completely devastated."
On Thursday, Crump and Turner’s family held a news conference to mark the one-month anniversary of her death.
The group marched up to the podium, shouting: "Justice for Pamela Turner! Say her name! Pamela Turner!" They also chanted: "What do we want? Justice! When do we want it? Now!"
Crump, at the podium, said there is a pattern of excessive force against minorities by the Baytown Police Department. He said Turner's death should end the use of excessive force once and for all.
"Since my mother's death, we've had numerous amounts of people coming and giving us support, evidence, basically, that the Baytown Police Department is corrupt. They are, basically, a racist ... police department, and the community does not get justice at all here, period," said Chelsie Rubin. "It's not right what they do to their community."
Crump said people of color must bring video of situations unfolding involving police to court in order to be believed. He said he's thankful there is video evidence of Turner's death. "Without that video, Pamela Turner's family wouldn't have any chance of justice," he said.
Crump is calling on Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg to find probable cause to indict Delacruz.
Baytown Police released the following statement in light of the press conference Thursday:
"Regarding the News Conference today, we continue to respect the right of the family of Ms. Turner to express their feelings and voice their concerns and we will continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers as they go through this very difficult time."
VIDEO: Chelsie Rubin, Ben Crump, speak on one-month anniversary of Pamela Turner's death