By Dylan Deprey
The family of Christopher Davis and the Coalition for Justice assemble at Graceland Cemetery. Photo by Dylan Deprey
The family of Christopher Davis gathered around the plot of fresh grass that grew over the dirt that was laid over their fallen family member three months ago. Family, friends and community members wore navy blue shirts displaying a confident 21-year-old Davis.
The Davis family as well as members of the Coalition for Justice assembled around the grave of Christopher Davis in Graceland Cemetery on May 25, 2016.
“What they are in search of is the truth, what they are in search for is explanations on why these things occurred,” Nate Hamilton, Founder of the Coalition for Justice, said.
Hamilton formed the Coalition for Justice after a Milwaukee police officer shot and killed his brother Dontre Hamilton, back in 2014.
According to a press release by the Walworth County Police Department, on Feb. 27, 2016, a County Sheriff’s Deputy in the Town of East Troy shot Davis as he was in the backseat of a car during a drug investigation. The altercation occurred due to the driver’s refusal to obey orders.
The car fled the scene and drove north on I-43 until they crashed in the city of Muskego. Davis was sent to a Milwaukee area hospital and was pronounced dead. The driver and passenger fled the crash scene and were later found by police and held in the Waukesha County Jail.
Damien Perks, co-founder of the Coalition for Justice during the moment of silence for Davis. Photo by Dylan Deprey
Hamilton noted that the Davis family knew as much as the press release had stated. According to the family, there had been no contact between the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department and their attorney since the incident.
“A young man was shot, and explanation through their press release did not detail why he was shot, what threat he posed or if he was a threat at all,” Hamilton said.
“We are hoping that Walworth County is very articulate in expressing their concerns and deepest gratitude to this family during their time of need and heartache.”
Hamilton also said that the Coalition for Justice has been a platform for the family and the community to express their loss for Davis.
Paulara Davis, sister of Christopher Davis, spoke to clear up any rumors circulating about her brother.
“Chris didn’t mean any harm to nobody and didn’t do anything and we just want justice for him,” Paulara Davis said.
Davis described her brother’s flexibility and wrestling talents that he would often jokingly flaunt to friends and family. She also mentioned his uncanny ability to cook for everybody even when he was tired.
“We just want to bring to light and say ‘hey there is another black person in the world that is not evil.”