Shelton, a law enforcement officer, responded to a break-in at Jay’s apartment complex without being informed by the dispatcher that anyone was inside. Allegedly, Shelton ordered Jay to put his hands up, and although Jay, 31, complied, Shelton shot and killed him.
Officials from the PGCD reported that Jay had a gun in his pocket when he was shot, and another gun was found near the sink.
Councilmember Krystal Oriadha from District 7 stated that Jay should not have been killed and emphasized the need to learn from the incident to prevent similar tragedies in the future. “No matter the circumstances, he did not have to die,” Oriadha said.
Melvin Jay’s Family (Credits: Texas Public Radio)
Jay’s family held a press conference at A Clarke Law along with the advocacy group Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, calling for justice for Jay.
Leonard Lee Jr., Jay’s cousin, expressed the family’s profound pain, endless questions, raw grief, justified anger, and unwavering resolve.
The family’s attorney, Jade Mathis, emphasized that the rule of thinking before acting or reacting should not be an exception just because someone is wearing a uniform or a badge. Shelton has been on paid leave since the incident occurred.
Melvin Jay’s BodyCam Video (Credits: Black Enterprise)
Following the release of the bodycam video, Jay’s family has been tirelessly advocating for justice. An unnamed cousin expressed the family’s torment over being unable to hear, hug, or say “I love you” to Jay. The family seeks justice and hopes for the truth to come out.
Attorney Andrew Clark, representing Jay’s family in a yet-to-be-filed civil suit, questioned the world we live in today, where compliance can result in being shot. He stated that Melvin Jay did not deserve to die.
Clark challenged people to imagine a scenario where someone unknown barges into their home, giving commands, and see how they would react. He emphasized the need for justice for Jay, highlighting the tragic and unjust nature of his death.
