Lakewood speakers demand independent oversight after death of Jax Graton; police chief details training and policy steps

Dozens of residents, friends and advocates asked the Lakewood City Council on July 28 to establish an independent oversight review of the investigation into the disappearance and death of Jax (Jax Queton/Graton), arguing family members and members of the transgender community were treated with disrespect and that the investigation has been mishandled.

The plea dominated the council's initial public‑comment period and carried into a second round of speakers later in the evening. Friends and family described delays in locating Graton, errors and miscommunications with police and the county coroner, and repeated incidents of dead‑naming and disrespect. “We are calling on you…support independent oversight,” said Brandy Burns Carey, a friend of Graton, at the microphone. “Jax deserved better and mama c deserves better,” she added.

Advocates pressed the council for immediate action. Z Williams, co‑director of Bread and Roses Legal Center, told the council: “We need oversight now, and it cannot be by the police. It cannot be from their oversight committee. It needs to be independent.” Several speakers repeated the same demand; chants and public displays in the chamber urged officials to take swift steps.

Lakewood Police Chief (Chief) Derek Smith — who addressed the council earlier in the meeting to follow up on a prior appearance — apologized for errors in…