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Sister of man killed by Richmond police blasts 'ineffective' law

Posted at 4:36 PM, Dec 15, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-15 16:36:56-05

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The sister of a Black man killed by Richmond police in 2018 has criticized state lawmakers and Gov. Ralph Northam for what she called a “watered down, ineffective” law that will dispatch mental health providers along with police to help stabilize people in crisis situations.

Princess Blanding’s remarks came Tuesday during a ceremonial signing of a new law named after Marcus-David Peters. The 24-year-old high school biology teacher was fatally shot by a police officer after he ran onto an interstate highway in rush hour traffic while experiencing a mental health crisis.

The officer shot Peters after he charged at him while threatening to kill him.