1 Month After Philando's Death, Protesters Hold The Line
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- One month after the death of Philando Castile, demonstrators continue to pay tribute to the 32-year-old Twin Cities man.
St. Anthony Police Officer Jeronimo Yanez shot Castile on July 6 after a traffic stop.
Castile's girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, live streamed the aftermath of the shooting on social media, which went viral.
Since Castile's death, protesters have been calling for the prosecution of Yanez.
Demonstrators brought flowers and fresh signs Saturday night to the elementary school where Castile worked for several years in St. Paul.
J.J. Hill Montessori school is close to the governor's residence, where protesters camped out for several days in July before St. Paul police cleared Summit Avenue late in the month, arresting dozens.
Jacob Ladda was one of the protesters who were arrested. He vowed to continue peaceful demonstrations until Yanez is charged with a crime.
"A lot of the people you see on side of road with signs just want peace and love to exist in this world," Ladda said.
He joined a small group in lighting candles and bringing flowers to the governor's mansion on Saturday night.
Ramsey County Attorney John Choi announced late last month he would appoint a special prosecutor to the case.
Veteran attorney Don Lewis, who has roots in St. Paul, will help Choi review evidence to decide if the Yanez will be charged with a crime.
Choi has not decided if he will present the case to a grand jury or make the decision himself.
The Minneapolis NAACP and protesters criticized Choi's choice, saying Lewis has a poor track record of holding authorities accountable.
"People need their justice and people are waiting by their windows and doors and we are expecting justice," Ladda said.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is investigating the case.
Some lawmakers, including Gov. Mark Dayton, have also called for a federal investigation by the Department of Justice.
