During a recent government meeting, Valerie Lance Anderson passionately addressed the assembly, seeking justice for her son, Devon Anderson Jr., who was fatally shot on August 5 by off-duty Atlanta Police Department officer Melvin Potter. Anderson expressed her frustration over the lack of communication from authorities regarding her son's death, stating that despite Potter's initial firing, he was later transferred to desk duty at another precinct.
Anderson described her son as a good person who was attempting to de-escalate a situation when he was shot point-blank in the chest. She emphasized that he was not involved in any wrongdoing and was merely trying to help others. The incident occurred in South Fulton, where Anderson was reportedly assisting a woman who was intoxicated and leaving a party.
The family is demanding accountability, highlighting that Potter was charged only with refusing a breathalyzer test and was released the same day of the incident. Anderson's aunt reiterated the family's commitment to seeking justice, stating, \"We are not gonna go away. We're gonna continue to come here until somebody helps us.\"
The meeting revealed significant concerns regarding the handling of the case, including the involvement of another officer present at the scene who has not provided a statement. Anderson concluded her remarks by vowing to pursue justice relentlessly, insisting that her son should still be alive and that the officer responsible must face murder charges.