Residents call for independent police oversight and accountability at Lakewood council meeting after death of transgender woman

During the Oct. 13 public comment period at the Lakewood City Council meeting, multiple speakers urged the city to pursue independent oversight and accountability for the handling of a missing-person investigation and the subsequent death of a transgender woman identified by speakers as Jax.

Speakers described a long, community-led search and said they had been frustrated by what they called poor communication and alleged mistreatment by investigation staff. "There has to be some form of accountability, and there needs to be someone stepping in to take a look at what's been going on in this investigation," said Brandy Burns Carey, who identified herself as a friend of the deceased and an advocate for the family. Carey told the council the family and community had spent weeks searching and called for an external review.

Several people read statements or spoke on behalf of Jax—s mother, Sherilyn Graton. Amanda Phillips read a letter from Sherilyn Graton in which Sherilyn wrote she felt powerless and afraid and asked for justice for her daughter. Phillips said part of the statement read: "I am a transgender woman who happens to be one of your constituents. I have worked in Lakewood most of my life. I cannot speak tonight because I am afraid." The council heard emotional testimony about alleged misgendering, delayed release of remains, and communication breakdowns between investigators and the family.

Other speakers urged a rapid, independent review of the law-enforcement response. Jamie Frederick said, "Justice for Jax cannot wait," and asked for oversight now rather than later. Kai Martinez told the council independent oversight would improve outcomes for missing and unidentified people and help address discriminatory practices: "Powerful independent police oversight will be a significant step in preventing the type of police misconduct that is the reason for many horrible outcomes," Martinez said.

Several speakers said they appreciated a recent unanimous council vote (they referenced a prior council action) but said the community needed an independent investigation and faster transparency. Brandy Burns Carey said the community had canvassed neighborhoods, held vigils and repeatedly requested answers; she told the council the family had been denied timely release of remains and reported being misgendered and dismissed by some agencies.

Not everyone who spoke urged oversight. Carolyn Wolfram spoke to the council to thank the Lakewood Police Department for a recent personal interaction: "I wanted to thank them publicly for the quick, thorough, and compassionate way that they dealt with my needs," she said.

What the council did at the meeting: The Oct. 13 meeting record shows the council heard these public comments during the initial public-comment period. The transcript records the statements and the requests for independent oversight and improved communications, but does not show a council motion or vote on creating an independent oversight body during the Oct. 13 session. Councilors acknowledged the comments and some referenced prior or pending actions but no formal directive creating a new independent-review panel appears in the meeting minutes for this session.

Why this matters: Speakers said the treatment of Jax—s case reflects broader concerns about how missing-person and vulnerable-person investigations are handled, particularly for transgender, indigenous and other marginalized communities. Several speakers tied the call for oversight to public safety and trust in local government.

Ending: Members of the public said they would continue to press the council for oversight and accountability; the council asked staff to review and respond to questions raised at the hearing in subsequent meetings.