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Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton is scheduled to report to police commissioners Tuesday about the Stanley Miller case, even as city officials deal with a new controversy over the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old suspected car thief over the weekend.

The shooting occurred just days after prosecutors announced they would not file charges against an LAPD officer who repeatedly struck Miller with a flashlight after a televised car and foot chase, prompting an outcry among some Black leaders.

Now, a makeshift memorial has been set up at the site where Devon Brown, an 8th grader at a magnet school for gifted children, was shot and killed by police after a 3.5-mile chase. Police initially said Brown was a gang member but later said they could not confirm that.

The shooting sparked outrage among some community groups, and a prayer vigil and community meeting about Brown's death was called for Tuesday night, according to NBC4.

The police officer who reportedly fired 10 rounds into the car, killing the unarmed teen, was identified as a 31-year-old male who has been with the Los Angeles Police Department for nine years. The driver of the patrol car, a six-year veteran officer, age 29, did not fire a weapon, police said.

In response to angry protests over Brown's shooting, Bratton urged the community to allow the process to work.

"We will not make a determination for a number of months," Bratton said. "And we have an extensive and elaborate process we have to go through."

Update:

Residents conducted a community meeting and prayer vigil Tuesday in South Los Angeles after a 13-year-old boy was shot and killed by police.

A makeshift memorial has been set up at the site where Devon Brown, an 8th grader at a magnet school for gifted children, was shot and killed Sunday by police after a 3.5-mile chase. Police initially said Brown was a gang member but later said they could not confirm that information.

The meeting included harsh words from angry members of the community.

"With what's going on in this community, we may need a wholesale change in the police department -- from the chief to the commission, everybody," said Danny Bakewell of Brotherhood Crusade.

The police officer who reportedly fired 10 rounds into the car, killing the unarmed teen, was identified as a 31-year-old male who has been with the Los Angeles Police Department for nine years. The driver of the patrol car, a six-year veteran officer, age 29, did not fire a weapon, police said.

In response to angry protests over Brown's shooting, Bratton urged the community to allow the process to work.

"We will not make a determination for a number of months," Bratton said. "And we have an extensive and elaborate process we have to go through."

Commissioner Rick Caruso issued an apology during Tuesday's meeting.

"It is almost inconceivable to lose a child under these circumstances," Caruso said. "To the African-American community and to all of Los Angeles, I apologize. We need to do the right thing."

Mayor James Hahn said he is urging policy changes regarding the practice of firing on a moving vehicle.

Chief William Bratton said a policy could be changed immediately, but training the department's officers would take months.

On the night of the shooting, 20 shots were fired LAPD's 77th Division Headquarters. The shooting, which remains under investigation, triggered a tactical alert less than four hours before Brown was shot.

Investigators said the shootings are not related.

Brown's family members said they were too distraught to attend Tuesday's vigil. Neighborhood residents also collected donations Tuesday to fund funeral expenses.

Source: http://www.thedrum.org
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