PEORIA, Ill. — The family and the community want answers.
Samuel Vincent Richmond’s family is calling for transparency and accountability as the investigation into his death continues.
The family spoke Tuesday night during a rally at Peoria City Hall.
The 59-year-old was shot and killed by Peoria police officers in October in Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali released a statement expressing her condolences to Richmond’s family and friends.
“I would like to express my sincere condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Vincent Richmond. A beloved family man and recognizable community member, his loss is not only felt throughout the East Bluff where he worked for many years but throughout our entire city. I recognize that the family and community want answers. The Illinois State Police is the lead agency on the investigation and complete transparency with our community is of utmost importance. The Peoria Police Department will continue to work with the ISP until their investigation has concluded. We ask for the community’s patience as they complete that process.”
At the time, during a news conference, Peoria Police Chief Eric Echevarria said Richmond was armed and put the officers in a life-threatening situation.
25 News spoke with Richmond’s widow, Deetra Bradley, who says they want to make sure this case is not swept under the rug, “we want justice because he didn’t deserve to be treated like that. He’s not even that type of man, the way that he died. It doesn’t add up.’
The Illinois State Police are still investigating the incident and the four officers were placed on administrative leave as per protocol pending the results of the investigation.
Court documents obtained by 25 News show Richmond may have been suicidal.
