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Community speakers press Lakewood council for independent oversight after death of transgender resident
Summary
Dozens of residents and family members urged the council to establish independent, civilian oversight of police investigations, citing the death of a transgender woman identified in public comments as Jax and alleging missteps by law enforcement and the coroner.
Dozens of residents, family members and advocates used public-comment periods at the Lakewood City Council meeting to press the council to create an independent civilian oversight body to review police investigations following the death of a transgender resident identified repeatedly in comments as Jax.
Speakers included friends, family and advocacy groups who described a pattern of mistreatment, including alleged deadnaming in official releases and delays in evidence handling. "Independent oversight is critical because there is a culture in policing called the blue wall of silence," said Zee Williams, who identified themself as a Ward 2 resident. Family members and friends of Jax said the coroner and police handled the case in ways that left the mother and community confused and grieving.
Other speakers—residents and service providers—urged broader changes including greater cultural competency training for officers, a public-facing internal affairs dashboard, expedited evidence protocols and language access for non-English-speaking community members. Nicholas Mundlin, who said he survived mistreatment in the criminal-justice system, called for public internal-affairs transparency, referencing state reporting laws that require misconduct reporting by July 2023. "We demand a transparent and accessible internal affairs complaint dashboard for Lakewood," he said.
Several speakers recounted personal connections with the deceased and described community trauma; they urged council to create an independent oversight committee that excludes active law-enforcement members. "Having a current or former member of the police department on such a board creates a clear conflict of interest," said Brother Ken Unity (also identified as Alexander Abreu), a community minister and longtime advocate.
Members of the council responded during their reports, acknowledging the public’s concerns and saying several councilors were preparing a request for council action to address oversight and accountability. City officials and council members encouraged continued engagement and said staff would work on proposals; no formal ordinance or final vote on an oversight board was recorded during the meeting.
Other topics raised in public comment included traffic safety and speed limits near Alameda International School, motorcycle and vehicle noise complaints along West Mississippi Avenue, and housing-condition complaints from a resident of a Metro West-managed building.
The meeting record shows broad public interest and emotional testimony on policing and oversight, and councilors said they would pursue a path forward that includes listening sessions and a staff-led proposal for council consideration.
