Rayahard Brooks should be alive today.
Unfortunately, on June 13 his life was taken away at the hands of Atlanta police. Authorities were responding to a 9-1-1 call about an intoxicated man sleeping in a car at a Wendy’s drive-thru. We covered the report, Brooks resisted arrest, managed to take one of the officers taser until he was shot in cold blood.
ET reports that Tyler Perry has reached out to the family directly. The movie mogul offered to pay for the funeral and to pay for his children’s education.
Fuller’s family attorney, L. Chris Stewart spoke on the generous donation at a press conference yesterday (June 15). He acknowledged and thanked Perry for taking care of the funeral.
“It’s support like that and it’s people who are actually in this community, that love the community, that want healing, and [want] families like this to never have to go through something like this. It’s a step forward.”
🚨BREAKING🚨:
Attorney for #RayshardBrooks announces that media mogul Tyler Perry will be covering the cost of his funeral. The father of four was shot and killed in the back by #Atlanta Police Friday night in a Wendys parking lot. pic.twitter.com/OSfmsYAMNt— Francesca Amiker (@FranTVHost) June 15, 2020
Brooks reportedly has four children, three girls, Blessing, 8, Memory, 2, Dream, 1, in addition to his son, Mekai, 14.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CBbvzUOAX7f/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
An autopsy shows that Brooks suffered two gunshots wounds to his back and he died of organ injuries and blood loss. Brooks’ death was ruled a homicide. Garrett Rolfe, the officer who fatally shot Brooks, was fired. Devin Brosnan, another officer at the scene, was placed on administrative duty.
Less than 24 hours after Brook’s life was taken, Atlanta Police Chief Erika Shields stepped down from her role. A black man, Former Assistant Chief Rodney Bryant, will take her place and serve as the city’s interim police chief.
This death sparked more protests as it left the city outraged.