'Eating Fruit — Grapes And A Banana — Should Not Be A Death Sentence'

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — In an emotional and sometimes fiery press conference on Friday afternoon, the family of Jerrel Garris, who was shot by police on Monday, demanded justice.

Speaking just feet away from the scene of the shooting, Garris's father told those gathered that his son was being vilified by those who were supposed to be protecting him.

"My son wasn't no demon," Raymond Fowler said. He called claims that Garris attempted to grab an officer's gun "a lie." Fowler said it was not in his son's nature to try to take a weapon from police.

Sanford Rubenstien, an attorney representing the family, called on any witnesses to the shooting to come forward, especially if they have photographs or footage of the tragic events. He said the family will fully cooperate with the New York Attorney General's Office to ensure justice is done.

Rubenstien said that Garris remains on life support at Westchester County Medical Center.

The city's highest ranking officials expressed sadness in the wake of the police shooting of a 37-year-old New Rochelle man on Monday.

SEE ALSO:

• State Police ID 37-Year-Old Shot By NRPD, Name Officers Involved
• Man Who Grabbed Officer's Gun Shot By Police: New Rochelle PD
• City Officials Promise 'Transparent' Process After Police Shooting

In a joint statement from New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson, the City Council, City Council Member Yadira Ramos-Herbert, City Manager Kathleen Gill and Police Commissioner Robert Gazzola, the city officials promised a "transparent and thorough investigation" into the tragedy.

The New Rochelle Police Department released body cam footage of the moments leading up to the July 3, shooting within hours of the tragic incident. Meanwhile, a joint investigation by the New York State Police and the Westchester County DA's Office continues.

"The City of New Rochelle is deeply saddened by the tragic events of this week, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of Jerrel Garris and with all in our community who have been affected," the statement released early Friday afternoon said. "We are fully committed to a transparent, thorough investigation, and will continue to work diligently with outside agencies in their independent review, while also addressing the legitimate concerns and questions that arise whenever a police officer is involved in a shooting."

Speaking on behalf of the family, civil rights activist Rev. Kevin McCall said that the city's promise of transparency rings hollow. McCall said officials in the city were creating a false narrative.

"Eating fruit — grapes and a banana — should not be a death sentence," McCall said.

The events wrapped up as Fowler led supporters in a chant of "Justice for Jerrel" and the crowd was urged to march to the nearby store where Garris was accused of eating items moments before he was tragically shot.