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On 2003 Charleston Cop Killing of Asberry Wylder (Letters) 24 April 2015 Dear Workers Vanguard, My family’s deep seeded belief that our brother, Asberry Wylder was wrongfully killed by North Charleston Police Department in November of 2003 has been reignited by the shooting death of Walter Scott. We never faltered in our conviction that this was a department cover up. The many cases of suspicion surrounding the multiplicity of shootings of black men here, and nationally only served to strengthen our prayer that law enforcement’s wrong doing would one day be exposed to the unbiased public. Justice was miserably underserved in Asberry’s case. The camera of a key witness containing photos, depicting police brutality was confiscated and not returned. While some photos were released, those corroborating the stories of police brutality as shared by witnesses were never released. Naturally, the local coroner’s report supported that of the police; however, a second autopsy by a family hired expert pathologist refuted the conclusions drawn by the Charleston County Coroner’s Office. Still, NO JUSTICE. Recently, an Arizona policeman was found justified in running over a suspect as he walked with his back turned. Reasons given for the acceptance of this horrendous act include the safety of the suspect (who was walking with a loaded gun), and the safety of the community and other policemen. If this was considered justifiable, we continue to question if shooting Asberry was justifiable. He was mentally ill, in a drunken state (.15 percent blood-alcohol level), and visually impaired due to being pepper sprayed. Could four robust officers really not subdue him, in a non deadly manner? It was evident in 2003 as it is evident in 2015, where North Charleston Police Department is concerned, Black Lives Do Not Matter. Had it not been for “the ram in the bush”, Feidin Santana, filming it all, Scott’s death would have resulted in another cover up. Because of Officer Slager’s blatant lack of integrity and perhaps the code of silence by other officers present, it has been revealed to society that corruption exists within the North Charleston Police Department. Sadly, the community at large is not surprised, for it is what we have known all along. Though denied, Asberry’s case was one to receive national attention in a quest for justice. With all that has transpired locally, we feel this may be our last attempt at justice for our family member. Our family requests that the Asberry Wylder Case be reopened. Most Sincerely,
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