After public outcry over Jax Graton case, Lakewood council directs staff to develop independent oversight options

Lakewood City Council members on Aug. 25 directed the city manager and city attorney to work with council representatives, city police and community members to develop options for an independent oversight committee following dozens of public comments demanding accountability in the investigation of the death of Jax Graton.

The vote, taken as a council request for action, was unanimous (11‑0). The motion asks staff to use the draft guidelines discussed by council as a starting point for drafting a formal proposal and to return to council with legal analysis and implementation options.

What public speakers asked for A group of speakers during the public comment period urged a civilian oversight body with investigative authority and subpoena power. Zee Williams, who identified themself as a Ward 2 resident, told council: "Truth is the root of accountability." Amanda Phillips, who said she was a neighbor of Graton and read a letter from Sherilyn Graton (Jax’s mother), closed her remarks with a call for immediate action: "Independent oversight now for Jax." Jamie Frederick, another public commenter, told council that oversight "must have subpoena power. It must be able to provide transparency to the community. Only then does it have the chance to overcome the blue wall of silence."

Council response and next steps Councilors Pritam Shaharzai (Mayor Pro Tem) and Isabel Cruz, who co‑sponsored the request, said they brought the measure to show the community the council had heard those calls. Shaharzai described the directive as a "jumping off point" and said it would not finalize structure or authorities without staff and legal review. Cruz called the action a foundational step toward building trust and emphasized the need to protect LGBTQ and other marginalized community members.

Legal and procedural notes Council members and staff noted legal limits on municipal authority for certain powers, including the ability to issue subpoenas. Council asked staff to schedule a special executive discussion to review legal issues; the mayor’s office scheduled a special meeting and an executive session to examine legal implications, records and options for structure and authority. City staff will report back with a legal memorandum and implementation options that spell out where a local oversight body would have authority and where the council would need state or external powers to accomplish specific investigative tools.

Why this matters Speakers framed the request as both a moral imperative and a public‑safety measure: they said independent review with the ability to compel evidence could increase community trust in policing. Council members said the item responds to community demands while acknowledging the need for careful legal and operational design.

Actions taken - Council passed a formal request directing the city manager and city attorney to work with council representatives, the police department and community stakeholders to develop a proposed oversight model; vote 11‑0. - Council scheduled a special meeting and executive session to review legal issues and operational options to ensure the proposal fits within municipal authority or identifies where outside powers are required.

What happens next Staff will prepare a legal analysis, draft bylaws/options and an implementation plan that will return to council for study sessions and public input. Councilors said they expect multiple meetings and community engagement before any permanent oversight body and its authorities are finalized.