The Cruz family is looking for answers after the death of Abisay Cruz, who was pronounced dead in the hospital after an intervention with Montreal police on March 30th. The family is still waiting for information and is experiencing tremendous pain as they seek justice for their loved one. Neighbours and family members witnessed the incident and captured videos and photos of the encounter. Family lawyer René Saint-Léger highlighted that in one video, an officer acknowledged Cruz’s distress, but the family is still left with unanswered questions about the police presence and their actions during the intervention.
The Bureau des enquêtes indépendantes (BEI) reported that police were called to the apartment in response to a person in crisis, but the family is unaware of who made the call, why police responded in such large numbers, and why they appeared to be aggressive. Advocates for the family, like Fo Niemi from the Center for Research-Action on Race Relations (CRARR), mentioned witness accounts of an officer allegedly kicking Cruz and using excessive force even after he appeared to be surrendering. The family’s lawyer emphasized the similarity between this incident and the tragic case of George Floyd, with one officer reportedly placing his knee on Cruz’s back, almost touching his neck.
The Cruz family is still seeking closure and transparency in the case, as they have not received a copy of the autopsy report and are calling for a public inquiry into Abisay Cruz’s death. The family’s demand for answers intensifies as they continue to relive the pain of their loss and search for accountability for the actions of the police involved in the intervention. The BEI, responsible for investigating incidents involving police in Quebec, indicated that their investigation is ongoing and could take up to six months to complete, prolonging the family’s wait for justice and closure in this tragic situation.
The community in Montreal’s Saint-Michel neighbourhood has shown support for the Cruz family by creating a makeshift memorial outside their apartment building. The public display of sympathy and solidarity with the family reflects the widespread concern over the circumstances surrounding Abisay Cruz’s death and the need for transparency and accountability from law enforcement agencies. The family’s struggle for justice and answers has resonated with many who see the importance of addressing incidents of police violence and ensuring that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect by authorities.
The advocacy efforts of organizations like CRARR, along with the family’s legal representation, are crucial in amplifying the Cruz family’s calls for accountability and transparency in this case. By highlighting the alleged use of excessive force and the lack of information provided to the family, these advocates are working to shed light on the circumstances leading to Abisay Cruz’s death and to push for systemic changes that can prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. The ripple effects of this incident extend beyond the Cruz family, impacting the wider community and sparking conversations about police conduct, racial justice, and the need for thorough and impartial investigations into cases of potential misconduct.
As the investigation continues, the Cruz family remains in a state of uncertainty and grief, grappling with the loss of their loved one and the unanswered questions surrounding his death. Their quest for justice, transparency, and accountability is a testament to their resilience and determination to seek the truth about what happened to Abisay Cruz. The outpouring of support from the community and advocacy efforts from organizations and legal representatives serve as pillars of strength for the family as they navigate through this challenging and heartbreaking chapter in their lives. The road to justice may be long and arduous, but the Cruz family’s unwavering resolve to seek answers and accountability will be a driving force in their pursuit of closure and justice for Abisay Cruz.
