"This Is Not a Closed Case": Family and Ben Crump Demand Full Video Release

Family Demands Full Release of Bodycam Footage in Jabari Peoples Case

The siblings of Jabari Peoples are urging for the complete release of bodycam footage following their meeting with the Jefferson County District Attorney, which left them with more questions than answers. Angel Smith, the sister of Jabari Peoples, expressed confusion over the video they viewed, stating that it was unclear whether her brother had a gun. She also noted the visible frustration of attorney Ben Crump as he described the footage, emphasizing that Peoples did not point anything at the officer.

Smith shared a statement from her brother, saying, “This is my cell phone. This is my phone.” She added, “I don’t know what they’re going to show within this edit or this video, but we would like to see the true, unedited version of it. And when it comes to me released to the public.”

An attorney involved in the case mentioned that the first video shown appeared to be raw and short in length. The second video, however, seemed to have been slowed down and edited with additional elements such as circling, likely by law enforcement. Crump emphasized that the family is not accepting any narrative from state entities at this time, stating, “This is not an open and shut case.” He further added, “They have drawn all kinds of conclusions.”

Jabari Peoples’ parents were not present during the viewing of the video. The family has continued to call for the full, unedited footage to be made public. Despite their requests, Homewood police have yet to release the bodycam footage.

Key Details About the Incident

Jabari Peoples was shot and killed at a park in Homewood on the night of June 23. According to police, a gun was involved in the incident. Initially, the family claimed that Peoples was unarmed, but after reviewing parts of the bodycam video on August 6, they began questioning why he was shot if he wasn’t pointing anything at the officers.

The Jefferson County District Attorney, Danny Carr, announced that no criminal charges will be filed against the Homewood police officer who shot and killed Jabari Peoples. The shooting has been deemed justified. However, both the community and the family are demanding the release of the bodycam footage.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) concluded its investigation into the shooting on August 1. The bodycam footage and findings were sent to Homewood police and the Jefferson County District Attorney's office. ALEA and Carr have stated that they will not be releasing the video, leaving that decision up to the Homewood Police Department.

Ongoing Calls for Transparency

Angel Smith expressed her outrage and hurt, stating, “What I saw on this video...my brother was afraid. He was scared.” She emphasized that there are still many unanswered questions. The family remains committed to seeking the truth and transparency regarding the events that led to Jabari’s death.

As the situation continues to develop, updates will be provided as new information becomes available. The case has sparked widespread concern and calls for accountability, with many advocating for the release of the full bodycam footage to ensure a clear understanding of what occurred.