Calls by black state lawmakers on Wednesday for an independent probe into the fatal police shooting of a Delray Beach property manager and musician after his car broke down along I-95 were heeded by the governor — but brushed aside by the Palm Beach County state prosecutor.
After the state legislative Black Caucus gathered in Tallahassee to make its demand, Florida Gov. Rick Scott offered to enlist the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to help investigate what led to the death of Corey Jones.
The response from Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg: Thanks, but we’ll handle it. He said his office intends to conduct “an independent and thorough investigation,” will continue to exchange information with the FDLE, and will meet soon with the grieving family of Jones, who was 31.
“We appreciate the Governor’s offer and have spoken with FDLE Commissioner Rick Swearingen about this matter. We routinely exchange information with FDLE and our working relationship with FDLE continues to be strong,” Aronberg said in a prepared statement.
Earlier in the day the Black Caucus had voiced frustration over a local police agency leading an investigation of the actions of an officer in their own back yard. The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office will investigate the shooting by Palm Beach Gardens police officer Nouman Raja. The shooting, the latest in a string of fatal encounters across the nation between black men and police officers, is drawing national attention. Community activists plan a rally Thursday outside the Palm Beach Gardens police headquarters. Jones’ family is expected to attend.
