Real news. Real stories. Real voices.
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Supported by

Memorial Planned For Tashii Brown, Who Died In Police Custody

In this May 17, 2017, file photo, Las Vegas police Undersheriff Kevin McMahill speaks during a news conference in Las Vegas about the death of Tashii Brown also known as Tashii Farmer.
(AP Photo/John Locher, File)

In this May 17, 2017, file photo, Las Vegas police Undersheriff Kevin McMahill speaks during a news conference in Las Vegas about the death of Tashii Brown also known as Tashii Farmer.

On May 14, it will be one year since Tashii Brown died in police custody on the Las Vegas Strip.

The 40-year-old had a history of mental illness and died after being tazed seven times and reportedly put in an unapproved chokehold by officer Kenneth Lopera.

Lopera was fired and is being charged with involuntary manslaughter and oppression under the color of office.

His arrest marks the first time in almost 30 years that a Metropolitan police officer faces charges for an in-custody death.

This weekend a vigil is planned for Brown on the Las Vegas Strip. It will be hosted by several different organizations, including Families United 4 Justice and Forced Trajectory Project. Nissa Tzun with Forced Trajectory Project talked to KNPR's State of Nevada about the Brown case, the vigil and its work to bring attention to police violence.

Nissa Tzun, filmmaker and activist, Forced Trajectory Project

Stay Connected
Kristy Totten is a producer at KNPR's State of Nevada. Previously she was a staff writer at Las Vegas Weekly, and has covered technology, education and economic development for the Las Vegas Review-Journal. She's a graduate of the Missouri School of Journalism.