Family, Friends Host Vigil For Seminole County Man Killed By Police

Family and friends gathered Sunday night for a Seminole man shot and killed two years ago by a drug court officer. The shooting was ruled justified, but the family has since been fighting that decision.

Sunday, August 31st 2014, 11:07 pm

By: News 9


Family and friends gathered Sunday night for a Seminole man shot and killed two years ago by a drug court officer. The shooting was ruled justified, but the family has since been fighting that decision.

Friends and family of 24-year-old Aaron Palmer came together at the Seminole Wellness Center.

"This just a way for us to be close to Aaron to let him know that were thinking about him," said friend Jennifer Yates.

The group lit lanterns in Palmer's memory, and even though the wind didn't let them go far, their thoughts of Palmer will.

"It's heartwarming to see that two years later he hasn't been forgotten, and he won't be forgotten, you know. This is something we will fight for everyday until we see the day that Aaron has justice," Yates said.

8/25/2013 Related Story: Vigil Held For Seminole County Man Gunned Down By Officer

In 2012, Seminole County Drug Court officer Ken Cherry came to Palmer's home to serve a warrant for his father, Randall Palmer, who was not there. Officers say Palmer had a knife in his hand and lunged at Cherry before he was shot in the chest.

"Aaron paid the price for things his father did. That's not the life that Aaron, Mia and Nicole led. They were a young couple trying to make the best for their family and it was taken from them," Yates said.

Palmer later died at a Shawnee hospital. He leaves behind his 5-year old daughter, Mia and so many memories.

Ricky Prieto and his brother wear wristbands, T-shirts and baseball caps that have Palmer's name and old baseball team on them.

"His face and his personality and his smile, he was just one of those guys who was never really down. He was a great ball player and even better friend," Prieto said.

The family says Officer Cherry was in a serious relationship with Palmer's father's ex-wife at the time of the shooting. Palmer's family is currently suing Seminole County and the officer. Their case is before a federal judge, but has been delayed due to a number of appeals.

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