***MEDIA ADVISARY***
CONTACT: Ananda Tomas- ananda@act4sa.org ; John Allison- hohinc99@gmail.com
Sept 1st 2023, SAN ANTONIO, TX — On Saturday, September 1st from 6-8 PM, friends and family of the late Baltasar Rodriguez, Jr will gather to unveil a mural dedicated to his memory, and the memory of other local residents who have lost their lives to San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). Baltasar lost his life on September 1st, 2021 after an interaction with SAPD where the reason for his death was stated to be “excited delirium.” His family members have been asking to view the body camera footage ever since, and have been denied. Excited delirium has largely become an unacceptable and not valid cause of death according to many courts and health professionals in recent years- but has been used by law enforcement for decades in many fatal police encounters.
“The loss of Baltasar has destroyed many of us, and the lack of transparency from SAPD in helping us find answers only highlights the deeply rooted problems within SAPD. Baltasar, and the many others who have lost their lives to SAPD misconduct, will be memorialized forever on this mural. We hope this gives some comfort to all the families around the city that they are not alone- and we will always remember their loved ones,” said John Allison, brother to Baltasar.
Included on the mural are the names of several other San Antonians who have lost their lives during interactions with SAPD including: Marquise Jones, Charles “Chop” Roundtree, Kevin Johnson, Melissa Perez, Andre “AJ” Hernandez, Alejandro Vitela, Norman Cooper, Marcus McVae, Jesse Aguirre, and Antronie Scott.
Families of these other victims have been invited and will attend, with an opportunity to speak if they wish. Also present will be ACT 4 SA Executive Director, Ananda Tomas, to speak about the needed reforms to police policy and procedure, as well as share the pitfalls of current city and SAPD procedure in being transparent and compassionate with family members who have lost loved ones to SAPD violence.
WHEN: Friday, Sept 1st at 6 PM
WHERE: 2115 North Zarzamora, San Antonio, Texas 78201
