Lakewood speakers press council for independent police oversight and subpoena power in Jax Graton investigation

Dozens of residents and advocates urged the Lakewood City Council on Nov. 24 to create a stronger, independent oversight mechanism with subpoena power for the Lakewood Police Department, saying months of delay have left Jax Graton’s family without answers.

At the meeting’s public-comment periods, community members described sustained grief and pressing questions about the handling of Graton’s case. "It's been 32 weeks since Jax went missing. It's been 25 weeks since she was found dead. And there's nothing. There's been no answers," said Zee Williams, a Ward 2 resident. Several speakers asked the council to move beyond study timelines and take immediate steps to secure accountability.

Jamie Frederick, who identified themselves as advocating for independent oversight, told the council "Justice for Jax cannot wait," and urged officials to give the oversight effort both "teeth" and timely action. Bug Peterson, an organizer with the Colorado Springs Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression, told councilors the task force should include non-law-enforcement members and subpoena authority to ensure grieving families receive accurate information.

Speakers also described community-wide impacts: organizers noted attendance from across the state and said the council’s response could influence other jurisdictions. Several speakers delivered personal testimony about grief, safety concerns for transgender residents, and instances they characterized as poor treatment by law enforcement.

At least one speaker raised a technical question about the coroner’s report, noting that certain substances can be misidentified in decomposing bodies; Brock Peters said such issues underscore the community’s request for independent review. Speakers also repeatedly requested that the oversight process not be delayed into an open-ended study, arguing that Graton’s case requires both immediate case-specific review and longer-term structural reform.

Council members acknowledged public concern in later remarks and reminded attendees that a virtual study session to discuss creation of an oversight committee is scheduled for Dec. 15. The meeting record and council updates indicate the oversight topic will be on that agenda; several speakers urged that the Dec. 15 study session include clear next steps and timelines and consider subpoena or investigatory powers for the oversight entity.

The council did not take a formal, binding vote to create a new oversight entity during the Nov. 24 meeting; speakers said they will continue to press for both immediate and permanent measures. The study session is scheduled as a procedural next step; community leaders said they will monitor whether it results in a time-bound plan with the authorities they requested.