Justice for Ernest Duenez Jr.

Family and friends of Ernest Duenez Jr. gathered at the site where Ernest was killed by Manteca
police officer John Moody.
WW photo: Gloria Verdieu

Manteca, Calif. — Hundreds of supporters, friends and family from all over the state of California gathered in the city of Manteca at 200 Flores Ave. on June 9. This was the site where Ernest Duenez Jr. was murdered by Manteca police officer John Moody on June 8. The video of Duenez’s killing, posted on YouTube, has been viewed by millions worldwide.

This protest was supported by many groups whose names begin with “Justice for”: Justice for Alan Blueford, Michael Nida, Cesar R. Cruz, Martin Hernandez, Manuel Diaz, Mario Romero, James Earl Rivera Jr., Kenneth Harding Jr., Alfonso Limon Jr., David Silva, Luis Gutierrez, Bobby Henning, Andres Avila, Angelo Moreno and the murdered victims of the Pomona Police Department. According to a June 7 press release, Duenez’s family is now operating in a statewide coalition of families of victims, civil rights organizations and community members to stop police brutality and murder.

At the June 9 vigil, participants formed a huge circle of peace and unity, while Christina Arechiga said a prayer for all the families of loved ones murdered by police, security guards and vigilantes. This was followed by a message of solidarity from Uncle Bobby, the uncle of slain youth Oscar Grant. Uncle Bobby was on his way to Florida to support the family of Trayvon Martin. Jury selection began June 10 in the murder trial of George Zimmerman.

Marchers took to the streets chanting, “Whose streets? Our streets!” “Justice for Ernest! Jail for Moody!” “No justice! No peace! No racist police!” and “Killer cops off our streets!”

Winding through the city of Manteca to the Manteca Police Department, the protest, led by Duenez’s family, swelled to more than 250 protesters. The National Brown Berets Santa Paula Unit was a strong contingent in the march and presented a powerful presence in front of the police department.

Workers World staff

Share
Published by
Workers World staff

Recent Posts

Seattle march against ‘two-party war machine’

About 800 people protested in Seattle on Nov. 9 in a “March and rally against…

November 12, 2024

Capitalism: biggest winner in election campaign

The writer was Workers World Party’s presidential candidate in 1996, 2000 and 2016. She won…

November 12, 2024

Grassroots organizing overturns abortion bans

June 22, 2022, was a dire day for millions of women and others who can…

November 12, 2024

Vote against genocide wins 70% support in Cunningham Township

In Cunningham Township, Illinois — which includes Urbana, home to the University of Illinois —…

November 12, 2024

Amsterdam free from Zionism! For a total boycott – globalize the intifada!

The following statement was issued by Samidoun Nederland on Nov. 8, 2024, following the genocidal…

November 11, 2024

Nov. 9 actions protest Trump’s reactionary program

People quickly mobilized throughout the United States to protest Republican Donald Trump’s election. Demonstrations, most…

November 11, 2024