09/26/2024
September 25, 2024
JUSTICE FOR VANESSA: COMMUNITY DEMANDS FULL INVESTIGATION INTO POLICE INVOLVED DEATH
The tragic and untimely death of Vanessa, a mother of an 18-month-old daughter, youth leader, and union activist, has left her community devastated and demanding answers. Vanessa, a newcomer to Canada and British Columbia, arrived with the hope of building a better life for herself and her daughter, only to have her dreams cut short by an encounter with the police.
As the investigation begins, we demand full transparency and accountability.
The community is calling for:
1. A full, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Vanessa’s death.
2. Accountability for those responsible for this tragic incident, including the oHicers involved.
3. Justice for Vanessa and her daughter, who will now grow up without the love and guidance of her mother.
Vanessa’s death highlights critical concerns regarding the treatment of racialized newcomers by law enforcement. This is not an isolated incident, but part of a larger pattern of violence and discrimination faced by Black, Indigenous, racialized and immigrant communities.
We urge local and national leaders to take immediate action to address this injustice and to ensure that no other families have to endure the same pain and loss.
We stand united in our demand for justice for Vanessa.
Press conference hosted by equality-seeking organizations to address concerns with the recent police shooting death of Vanessa Rentería, a young Black mother.
Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 9:45am PST
Surrey Public Library City Centre Branch, 10350 University Drive, Room 405 Surrey, BC
• Rosa Elena Arteaga, Battered Women’s Support Services
• BC Community Alliance
• Meghan McDermott, BC Civil Liberties Association
• BC General Employees’ Union
• Nadia Reveló Bolivar, Solidarity Committee for Vanessa Rentería
• Neelam Sidhu, Surrey Women’s Centre
• Jane Bouey, Parents Support Services Society of BC
• Members of Vanessa’s inner circle via zoom
Should the officer be fired and charged with murder?
