WEST MEMPHIS, Ark. —The funeral for a teenager shot by police turned into a brawl and a family is left more broken than ever on the day they thought they were going to be laying their loved one to rest.
Mother of teen shot, killed by Marion police: ‘He had his whole life ahead of him’
There were no limos. Byrd Clark marched to her son’s home going ceremony by foot, leading a peaceful protest demanding justice — until she realized the funeral started without her.
“She came and took the microphone from the people who were speaking for my nephew,” said Clark’s aunt.
That’s what family members say sparked the chaos that left pews broken and tension high.
No one was arrested but everyone was pushed outside of the funeral home, cutting the funeral short and making the quest for justice a little more difficult than it was before.
It’s been two weeks since 16-year-old Aries Clark was shot by Marion police outside of East Arkansas Youth Services, a facility for at-risk and delinquent youth.
The teen was in DHS custody for problems at home. He had run away from the facility but was being returned when shots were fired.
Conflicting stories have emerged about whether Clark had a firearm, a BB gun or an unknown weapon that threatened officers.
“It’s very reminiscent of Tamir Rice,” said the family’s attorney Kim Cole.
The killing of Rice made headlines because the 12-year-old boy was gunned down by Cleveland police after he brandished a toy gun.
“We are going to request any video, any audio, documentation related to this unlawful killing,” Cole said.
Even though the funeral turned into a face-off and a family feud has placed everyone at odds, Cole is hopeful that her findings will bring closure for the family left grieving and divided.
