Kiwane Carrington Press Conference on WRFU

This audio, also hosted on the UCIMC website, will be broadcast on WRFU-LP Urbana, 104.5 FM, at 8:00am and 6pm on Tuesday, October 13th and 8:00am on Wednesday, October 14th.

Community leaders, family members and concerned citizens gathered for a press conference this morning at the Urbana-Champaign Independent Media Center to address the police killing of unarmed 15 year-old African American youth, Kiwane Carrington. He was shot dead at a residence in Champaign on October 9, 2009 after police responded to a call of an alleged burglary in the 900 block of W. Vine St. at 1:20pm.

At the press conference today young friends of Kiwane stood holding signs reading “We Want Answers,” while friends and family recounted stories about police-community relations and raised questions about how this incident was handled. Especially, why was the family not allowed to identify the body until days after the autopsy had been completed?

A vigil is being held on Wednesday, October 14th at 7:30pm at 906 W. Vine St. A benevolent fund to assist with costs of funeral arrangements will open Tuesday. Those wishing to contribute to the benevolent fund may contact Carol Ammons at 217-344-1811. For concerned citizens, the next Champaign City Council meeting is Tuesday, October 13th at 7:00pm.

The following is a recording of the press conference, with statements by Kenesha Williams, legal guardian and older sister of Kiwane, Christine Williams, grandmother, his aunt Rhonda, Deborah Thomas, owner of the house where the incident occurred, Seon Williams, community activist, Dr. Evelyn Underwood, president of the Ministerial Alliance, and Laura Manning, mother of the boy currently being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.

Keep posted at ucimc.org for more information.