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Residents press Lakewood council for independent police oversight after suspected killing of Jax
Summary
Dozens of Lakewood residents used public comment to demand a fully independent oversight committee with subpoena power following the suspected killing of a resident known as Jax; speakers cited delays, lack of transparency, and harms to marginalized communities and called for immediate action.
Dozens of Lakewood residents urged the City Council on Jan. 12 to establish independent police oversight with subpoena power and full access to investigative records after the suspected killing of a resident referred to in testimony as Jax (Jax Scrattan / variations in spelling appear in the record). Speakers described months of pain, distrust of the Lakewood Police Department, and individual experiences that they said demonstrated systemic failures.
Multiple commenters requested that any oversight body be truly independent of the city manager and police leadership, have members representative of marginalized communities, and possess the authority to compel records and testimony. "Long live Jax," several speakers repeated as a rallying cry; other speakers recounted searching for the missing person, alleged misgendering and poor treatment by police, and delays in victim services. Brandy Carey, a founding member of the Justice for Jax Coalition, said nearly nine months had passed since the case first came to attention and said the family and community deserved transparency and a stronger investigatory response.
Speakers described patterns of harm beyond the single case, linking the need for oversight to broader treatment of transgender, unhoused and marginalized people in the community. For example, Sonya Ziolkowski told the council that neighborhoods near state-owned parcels have seen increased encampments and safety concerns after a Department of Revenue facility closed, and urged clearer jurisdictional protocols and better coordination between city and state agencies. Others asked the council to grant oversight committees subpoena power to obtain records from external agencies, including Denver law enforcement where some related matters originated.
Councilors heard emotional testimony from a cross-section of Lakewood residents and nonresidents who said current internal-affairs processes are opaque and ineffective. Jamie Frederick and other speakers argued oversight must have "full access to information," ‘‘real power,’’ and members who represent Lakewood’s most marginalized communities.
Councilors and staff did not take a final vote on a new oversight structure on Jan. 12; the mayor reminded the public that the zoning-code and referendum items are scheduled for Jan. 26 and that the council will continue to accept public input. The council did not announce a procedural timeline for forming a citizen oversight body during this meeting.
Representative quotes in public comment included: "The Lakewood police have misgendered trans people, caused harm to our unhoused neighbors..." (Jamie Frederick) and "Jax will not experience 2026" (Brandy Carey). Many speakers asked the council to move quickly and to design oversight that is independent, transparent and empowered to obtain necessary records.
