Jeffrey Reodica’s 16th death anniversary commemorated

Jeffrey Reodica’s 16th death anniversary commemorated

John Doebert Barros’s instagram @quicksketcher

Recently, the Reodica family commemorated the 16th death anniversary of their beloved son/brother/uncle Jeffrey with a memorial visit to his graveyard and an online music community event to honor him.

Jeffrey died from injuries he sustained on May 24, 2004, four days after he was shot three times in the back by a Toronto police officer.

Jeffrey Reodica

Jeffrey’s death sparked protests in the Filipino-Canadian community outraged by the brutal killing, resulting in street marches, vigils and a vigorous campaign for justice. It resulted in an inquest called by the Ontario Attorney General which however was merely an exercise limited to finding out the facts and circumstances surrounding the case, followed by some recommendations on how to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Since the inquest was intended not to find any blame or punish anyone, the family and the community feel up to now that justice was not served. Earlier, the Special Investigations Unit, the agency responsible for investigating circumstances involving police, had exonerated the subject officer from any wrongdoing.

Statement of the Reodica family:

“Our wish is that Jeffrey is always remembered. We also recognize the courage our family and community demonstrated in our fight against police brutality and racial injustice.

“Justice was not served as the police officer who was responsible for taking Jeffrey away from us was not held accountable. We will continue to expose the racism and police brutality that Jeffrey experienced in hopes of a better future.”

Brother Joel Reodica

Sister-in-law Gail and daughter Isla Reodica

Nephews Ty and Jaxon, niece Zyana; sister Robyn Reodica Mangubat