BREAKING: The death of an unarmed 52-year-old man in Irondale, Alabama, has been ruled a homicide after an officer kneeled on his neck during an arrest. The finding, confirmed by the Jefferson County coroner, has ignited outrage and calls for justice from the victim’s family, drawing alarming comparisons to the death of George Floyd in 2020.
New reports reveal that Phillip Reeder died on August 6, 2024, after officers were dispatched at 5:10 a.m. to assist with a medical emergency. According to his wife, Sandra Lee Reeder, he was driving home from a job in Memphis when he became disoriented and wandered onto a highway. Body camera footage, which has not yet been released to the public, reportedly shows Reeder yelling, “I can’t breathe” during the encounter.
During a press conference on Monday, Sandra Lee Reeder recounted the harrowing details: “Phillip is heard clearly not once, not twice, but three times ‘I can’t breathe.’” The family’s attorney, Harry Daniels, emphasized the urgency of the matter, stating, “A knee was on the back of his neck while he was in handcuffs.”
The autopsy report, which links Reeder’s death to heart failure exacerbated by cocaine use and police restraint, reveals he had multiple non-lethal wounds and bruises from the altercation. His family is now demanding accountability from the Irondale Police Department nearly a year after his death.
In a conflicting statement, the Irondale Police Department defended their actions, asserting that the officers used no excessive force and that Reeder was resisting arrest. They reported that despite commands to comply, Reeder continued to act erratically, prompting the use of a Taser to subdue him.
This tragic incident has sparked renewed discussions about police tactics and accountability. Daniels drew a stark comparison between Reeder’s death and the fatal encounter of George Floyd, stating, “The only difference between what happened to Reeder and Floyd is race.” The family’s emotional plea for justice resonates deeply, as they seek answers and accountability in the face of devastating loss.
As the story develops, the public is left grappling with the implications of this ruling and the ongoing conversation surrounding police conduct. The family continues to call for the release of the body camera footage, which they believe will shed light on the events leading to Reeder’s tragic death.
Authorities have yet to respond to the family’s demands for transparency, but the pressure is mounting as community members rally for justice. The situation remains fluid, with potential legal actions on the horizon as the Reeder family seeks to ensure that their loved one’s death does not go unnoticed or unpunished.
Stay tuned for updates as this urgent story unfolds.