Rayshard Brooks Shared His Struggles with the Criminal Justice System Months before His Death

On June 12, 2020, Rayshard Brooks, 27, was killed by an Atlanta police officer. In February 2020, the family man appeared in an interview where he spoke about the Criminal Justice System in the US.

Before Brooks was killed this month; he starred in a project by Reconnect. The company that works in prison reform was doing a study in February where they looked for people who were willing to talk about experiences and struggles within the criminal justice system.

Reconnect focused on people who were on parole or probation. Brooks was one of the people who signed up and the company managed to speak to him on camera.

PEOPLE ARE NOT ANIMALS

In the interview, the late Brooks candidly discussed his views on the justice system in America. Brooks noted at the time:

"Look at us as individuals. We do have lives, you know — it's just a mistake we made ... and not just do us as if we are animals [sic]."

He further explained how he was trying hard despite all the obstacles in his way. The father of four revealed that he was not the “type of person to give up.”

RAYSHARD’S FIGHTING SPIRIT

He had big dreams for himself and vowed to push until he got where he wanted to be. Brooks said the justice system created barriers to prevent him from succeeding in life.

He shared how he was also making an effort to earn his children’s trust after being away from them. The former convict was in prison for a year.

TRYING TO DO THE RIGHT THING

Refusing to be disillusioned, Brooks admitted that human beings are imperfect. However, despite the flaws, he noted how our desire was to still keep trying to do the right thing.

CHARGES AGAINST THE COPS

The former policeman who killed Brooks, Garrett Rolfe, is facing eleven charges. If found guilty; he could face the death penalty.

FALLING ASLEEP IN HIS CAR

His fellow officer, Devin Brosnan, is facing three charges for his part in the murder. Brooks fell asleep in his car outside a Wendy’s restaurant in the drive-thru lane.

HOW HE DIED

Police ordered him to take a field sobriety test which he failed before a scuffle began with him and the policemen. He ended up grabbing a taser from one of the officers and ran away with it before being shot and killed.

WHAT HIS AUTOPSY FOUND

His autopsy showed how he’d suffered two gunshot wounds to his back. According to a source, actor and producer Tyler Perry will be paying for Brooks’ funeral expenses and his children's college tuition.

Brooks is survived by his wife, Tomika Miller, and their daughters Mekai, 13, Blessing, 8, Memory, 2, and Dream, 1.