Dozens Protest At State Capitol With Rodriguez Family

In light of protests happening around the nation against police brutality, the family of Luis Rodriguez joined in.

Saturday, December 13th 2014, 10:53 pm

By: News 9


In light of protests happening around the nation against police brutality, the family of Luis Rodriguez joined in.

Dec. 14 marks ten months since Rodriguez died outside the Warren Theater in Moore while in police custody.

2/15/2014 Related Story: Family Says Moore Police Beat Father To Death

The family said their fight for justice is far from over.

Clapping and chanting “All lives matter,” dozens sounded off at the Oklahoma State Capitol for two hours on Saturday afternoon.

Mirroring the protests sweeping the US following the deaths of Michael Brown and Eric Garner at the hands of police, the group added Rodriguez to the list.

“One is what it takes to look for justice," said Rodriguez's widow Nair.

Nair told the crowd about the night of Feb. 14 when an argument with her daughter in the parking lot of the Warren Theater escalated to five officers holding her husband down.

6/20/2014 Related Story: DA: Moore Officers Clear In Death Of Luis Rodriguez

Luis was taken to the hospital and died shortly after at 44 years old. The Medical Examiner reported he died from a cardiac arrhythmia due to physical restraint.

"They denied my husband's right to live," Nair said.

Nair joined with Clinton mother Melissa Goodblanket whose son was shot seven times by Custer County deputies last Dec. while he was having a violent mental episode at home. The Custer County District Attorney ruled the shooting justified.

4/25/2014 Related Story: Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Custer Co. Sheriff's Office

"This will continue and continue and continue all over the planet until people stand up in solidarity and make a difference," Goodblanket said.

Protesters of all colors stood side-by-side.

"Now it's happening left and right, and it was before, but I don't feel like anybody was paying attention, and you have to pay attention, and you have to speak up or they're not going to change," said Valerie Conway.

It's a change the Rodriguez family said they are hoping for.

“We have to talk to understand each other, and definitely where he is, I hope he knows that on his name, and others out here, he will receive justice," said Nair Rodriguez.

The Cleveland County District Attorney cleared all the officers involved in Luis' death. The Rodriguez family said they are still pursuing legal action against the Moore Police Department.

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