Editor:
Today, March 30, my son Hudson Daryl Willis Brooks should be celebrating his 21st birthday.
He won't be.
More than eight months ago, walking on his way home, Hudson was shot dead by RCMP officers in front of their South Surrey detachment, two blocks from his house. Over the past eight months our family has been given no information, no answers to our questions and no explanation as to why he was shot multiple times.
Subsequently, we, as a family, have been unable to emotionally begin the healing process.
Eight months is too long to be kept in the dark.
We are told to be patient and that the Independent Investigations Office (IIO) is doing its best to conduct their investigation. Their best is not good enough! Eight months, and they have yet to complete a ballistics report on the police – and police only – firearms involved.
The IIO spokesperson, when interviewed, claimed they have a heavy workload and several other police-related investigations ongoing that has slowed this investigation down. That statement in itself is very disturbing.
Regardless, their excuses are unacceptable, and if their system is so overtaxed – or just plain incompetent – fix it!
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Surrey-Green Timbers MLA Sue Hammell (Victim’s family waits too long: MLA, March 23) and Port Coquitlam MLA Mike Farnworth (Justice critic asks if staff issue delay answers, March 25) for having the guts to stand up and ask out loud why we as a family have been kept this long without any answers. Their words beg the question as to the whereabouts of the elected officials in the riding where Hudson lived and was shot. Also, where is Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner and White Rock Mayor Wayne Baldwin? In my opinion, the bunch of them are but ostriches with their heads in the sand!
I want to be clear about one thing. Since that tragic day last summer, the members of the South Surrey RCMP have been co-operative and compassionate. I have great respect for the job they face on a daily basis. Further, Staff Sgt. Marty Blais has gone beyond the call of duty to ensure we have had support on a personal basis and during the awareness marches that Hudson’s mother has organized.
I wish to ask the South Surrey White Rock community to peacefully and respectfully help our family work to obtain the truth and to understand why an unarmed young man was killed in front of our local police station. And answer the question as to why our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew and loyal friend is not able to celebrate his 21st birthday.
Thank you, PAN, for your work on this story and this opportunity to express our pain and frustration.
Matt Brooks, Surrey