Organizers: March seeks justice for those “killed in BSO custody”

MIAMI – A neighborhood group held a silent march and vigil Saturday in honor of those affected by what they describe because the violent tradition permeating the Broward Sheriff’s Office. 

The Decarcerate Broward Coalition, a group organizing collective spearheaded by Chainless Change Inc., introduced the occasion from 4 p.m. till 8 p.m. on the Highlands Community Center, 511 NE forty fourth St. in Pompano Beach.

They mentioned Kevin Desir, a 43-year-old Broward resident, was “killed during a mental health episode at the North Broward Bureau — a detention center that specializes in housing individuals with special needs.”

“BSO’s own reports say corrections staff punched Desir nine times, choked, tased, and pepper-sprayed him while he was handcuffed. The injuries Desir sustained during the altercation resulted in permanent severe brain damage that led to his death,” organizers mentioned.

“Far too many people in this country deal with mental illness, and when something like this happens to them, excuses are made,” mentioned Kevin’s brother Moses Desir.

Organizers mentioned, “For over a year, the Desir family has been seeking the public release of Kevin’s autopsy report and all videos related to his death. As of February 2022, BSO concluded in an internal report that the incident constituted, ‘an appropriate use of force.'” 

“The vigil and march aim to ensure that Kevin’s death is not forgotten by those in positions to enact true systemic change.”

Speakers on the occasion, included members of the Desir household and their lawyer, Jeremy McLymont, and members of the Decarcerate Broward Coalition, and previously incarcerated people.