Temple March For Michael Dean Planned For Friday

America's focus right now is on trying to figure out how we can come together and solve the problem of racism and police brutality in our country. While the death of George Floyd has re-galvanized the "Black Lives Matter" movement, a similar story of another unarmed Black man who lost his life after a police encounter closer to home has nearly been forgotten.

28-year-old Temple resident Michael Dean was killed when Temple police officer Carmen Decruz's gun discharged following an attempted traffic stop that led to an alleged pursuit on Dec. 2, 2019. Decruz was arrested and charged with manslaughter and later resigned from the department. On March 31st, Decruz's bond was reduced from $500,000 to $80,000 and he was released.

Since that time, The Texas Rangers have taken over the investigation into Dean's death and nearly 6 months later, there has been SILENCE from both the Rangers and the Temple PD, mainly due to the pandemic. The Dean family and the entire Temple community are now seeking answers and information on what's happening with the investigation.

Michael's family and community leaders are planning a protest in Downtown Temple this Friday evening at 6:30 PM at 2 North Main Street. This will be a peaceful protest as our community demands answers and justice for one of our own.

We can be outraged at what's happening across the country, but we must start bringing about change starting at home.