Family and friends of Jose Sanchez, the 43 year-old man shot and killed by an off duty Pasadena officer, gathered in front of the Pasadena Police Department today to protest what they consider a wrongful and senseless murder.
They are demanding an FBI investigation.
"Joe walked the street of Pasadena everyday and hurt nobody," said Benjamin Flores, the deceased man's brother-in-law. "And just out of the blue he gets shot for no reason. He's handicapped; he couldn't even hold a gun. He can't even run... Everybody here knows he limps."
Among the crowd Sanchez's mother, an attorney hired to represent the family, as well as community activist, Quanell X, who brought documentation that he says proves the victim was no threat to the officer.
"We don't understand how an unarmed man was gunned down in cold blood, who was retarded and mentally handicapped," said Quanell X.
Jose Sanchez died Saturday after being shot in the chest in the parking lot of Moments Club on Spencer near Pansy.
Police say an off-duty officer walked in on a heated argument between the club's manager and two customers apparently over money owed to a dancer.
Police say the officer observed Sanchez and another man pulling up in a Lincoln Navigator, and saw Sanchez grabbing what is described as an assault weapon.
Police say fearing for his life, the officer fatally shot Sanchez in the chest and another passenger in the hand. That injured man's brother also spoke out today.
"As for my brother, he took four bullets for nothing," said Albert Chavez.
Today, relatives are calling for outside agencies to investigate the shooting, including the FBI.
The off duty officer is currently on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.
They are demanding an FBI investigation.
"Joe walked the street of Pasadena everyday and hurt nobody," said Benjamin Flores, the deceased man's brother-in-law. "And just out of the blue he gets shot for no reason. He's handicapped; he couldn't even hold a gun. He can't even run... Everybody here knows he limps."
Among the crowd Sanchez's mother, an attorney hired to represent the family, as well as community activist, Quanell X, who brought documentation that he says proves the victim was no threat to the officer.
"We don't understand how an unarmed man was gunned down in cold blood, who was retarded and mentally handicapped," said Quanell X.
Jose Sanchez died Saturday after being shot in the chest in the parking lot of Moments Club on Spencer near Pansy.
Police say an off-duty officer walked in on a heated argument between the club's manager and two customers apparently over money owed to a dancer.
Police say the officer observed Sanchez and another man pulling up in a Lincoln Navigator, and saw Sanchez grabbing what is described as an assault weapon.
Police say fearing for his life, the officer fatally shot Sanchez in the chest and another passenger in the hand. That injured man's brother also spoke out today.
"As for my brother, he took four bullets for nothing," said Albert Chavez.
Today, relatives are calling for outside agencies to investigate the shooting, including the FBI.
The off duty officer is currently on administrative leave, which is standard procedure.
