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THE VOICES OF STEPHON CLARK

One year ago, the fatal shooting of Stephon Clark by police officers rocked Sacramento. These are the voices of the people who have been affected by his death.

March 18, 2018, 9:29 p.m.
On March 18, 22-year-old Stephon Clark was shot and killed by two Sacramento Police officers in his grandmother's backyard.
Photo: Courtesy of Sonia Lewis
March 18, 2018
The officers who shot him, Terrance Mercadal and Jared Robinet, said they believed he had a gun.
Photo: Sacramento Police body camera footage
March 22, 2018
The day after the body camera footage was released, activists formed a human chain around Golden 1 Center, blocking thousands of fans from entering the game.
Demonstrators chant outside Golden 1 Center
Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio
March 25, 2018
After sparking outrage by saying he wouldn't "second guess" the officers who shot Clark, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg said that Clark's death shouldn't have happened.
Steinberg shares his thoughts on the shooting
Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio
March 26, 2018
Clark's family, including grandmother Sequita Thompson, called for criminal charges against the officers.
Sequita Thompson speaks at a press conference
Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press
March 27, 2018
Demonstrators, including Clark's brother Stevante Clark, disrupted a city council meeting to speak out about Clark's death.
Stevante Clark interrupts Mayor Darrell Steinberg at a City Council meeting
Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio
March 29, 2018
Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy at Clark's south Sacramento funeral, where he spoke of Clark's legacy and praised demonstrators.
Sharpton defends the Stephon Clark protesters
Photo: Jeff Chiu / Associated Press
March 30, 2018
Dr. Bennet Omalu released the findings of his independent autopsy, which was requested by the Clark family. The police department later released its own findings, which conflicted with Omalu's.
Dr. Bennet Omalu describes his autopsy findings
Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press
August 13, 2018
Following Clark's death, Sacramento Police Chief Daniel Hahn said his department was making changes, including a new foot pursuit policy, to improve public trust.
Hahn on how the department is working to improve trust in police
Photo: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press
February 19, 2019
In his State of the City address, held blocks from where Clark died, Mayor Steinberg apologized to Clark's family for the pain caused by his death.
Steinberg apologizes for Clark's death in his State of the City address
Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio
February 19, 2019
Stevante Clark was in the audience. He was not moved by the apology, saying it was too late at this point.
Stevante Clark reacts to Steinberg's apology
Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio
March 2, 2019
Almost a year after the shooting, Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert said she would not file criminal charges against the officers who killed Clark. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra also declined to file charges.
Schubert announces her decision in the Stephon Clark case
Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio
March 2, 2019
Clark's family and community were distressed at Schubert's decision and condemed it at protests and press conferences.
SeQuette Clark responds to the DA's decision
Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio
March 2, 2019
Law enforcement representatives spoke out in support of police after the decision, saying that officers have to make difficult "split second" decisions in cases like these.
Tim Davis with the Sacramento Police Officers Association reacts to the DA's decision
Photo: Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio
March 4, 2019
Two days after the DA's announcement, Sacramento Police arrested 84 people, including clergy, students and journalists, during a march in East Sacramento.
Pastor Les Simmons describes his arrest
Photo: Andrew Nixon/Capital Public Radio
March 18, 2019
On the one year anniversary of his death, Stephon Clark's family and friends gathered to honor him and call for justice at a press conference at the state Capitol and a memorial in Meadowview.
Sequita Thompson calls for justice for her grandson's death
Photo: Andrew Nixon/Capital Public Radio
March 18, 2019
Stevante Clark spoke about his brother and their relationship as he and his family looked back on Stephon Clark's life.
Stevante Clark speaks on the anniversary of his brother's death
Photo: Andrew Nixon/Capital Public Radio

Credits

Produced by Emily Zentner and Chris Hagan

Photography by Andrew Nixon and the Associated Press. Other sources as noted.

Audio gathered and produced by Capital Public Radio's Gabriela Fernandez, Sammy Caiola, Cody Drabble, Bert Johnson, Nick Miller, Bob Moffitt and Ezra David Romero. Other sources as noted.

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