Family members and residents urge Pasadena council to investigate alleged past police misconduct, call for justice

Several residents used the council’s public‑comment period to make serious allegations about past police conduct, to request prosecutions and to press for internal accountability for specific officers.

Why it matters: Public accusations against police departments and calls for investigations raise questions of trust, transparency and possible need for official review; the council heard multiple allegations but did not record a formal referral or investigation during the meeting.

Janet Harris identified herself as the sister of Marvin William Harris and said he was killed by the Pasadena Police Department in 1991. “Pasadena police did not have the right to murder him,” Harris said, describing efforts to obtain death‑scene images and alleging she and her sister were blocked from evidence for decades. Harris told the council she and her sister have pursued records and research and said they are seeking arrest and prosecution of those they identify as responsible.

Her sister, Jennifer Lynn Martin, told the council, “We want justice. That’s all we’ve ever wanted. We want the arrest and prosecution.” Both women asked the council and the new administration to sit down with them to discuss the case and their research.

Another public speaker, identified in the record as Steven Alvarez, described multiple historical incidents he said related to jail incidents and an apparent hanging from 1976; he named several former officers and said FBI involvement and an official ruling of suicide were disputed by members of the public who have reviewed physical evidence. Those allegations were presented as the speaker’s views and claims; the council record shows they were offered during public comment.

Separately, Robert Jeter said that an on‑duty officer, identified in his remarks as Officer David Garza, encouraged derisive conduct and used profane language toward citizens. Jeter said he provided audio and video recordings to the city and asked that the officer be asked to apologize in open session. “I really hope the city instructs this officer to come down and apologize in front of council,” Jeter said, saying complaints about the officer’s behavior had been brought to city attention.

Ty Smith, another resident, said he has video of Officer Garza “screaming expletives” and alleged the city’s internal affairs did not respond to complaints; Smith also raised concerns about perceived censorship of video recordings from council chambers.

No formal motion or vote in the meeting record directed the City Attorney, police department or other staff to open a new investigation, refer the matter to county or state prosecutors, or to schedule a formal review; the speakers made requests for action and for meetings with the new administration, but the council minutes and actions recorded during the meeting do not show a referral or an assignment to staff.

The public‑comment speakers emphasized longstanding personal grievances and requested accountability; the record does not contain evidence of any new criminal charges or a council‑initiated inquiry arising directly from the comments given at this meeting.