The family of 18-year-old Jabari Latrell Peoples is demanding answers after Homewood police fatally shot him on June 23, 2025, in what they claim was an inappropriate use of force against an unarmed, compliant young man.
According to family members, they weren’t notified of Jabari’s death until several hours after the shooting occurred, and an autopsy was performed without their consent. The family maintains that a witness to the incident reported seeing no weapon present during the confrontation between Peoples and law enforcement.
“We’re being kept in the dark about what happened to our son,” said Marcus Peoples, Jabari’s father. “The police haven’t provided us with any documentation, video footage, or even a basic incident report explaining why they felt it necessary to use deadly force against an unarmed teenager who was following their instructions.”
The family has emphasized Jabari’s status as a college student with promising prospects. “He was working toward his future, taking classes and making plans,” said Angela Peoples, his mother. “Now we’re left with inquiries and no explanation for why our son isn’t coming home.”
In response to what they describe as attempts by law enforcement to control the narrative surrounding the shooting, the family has called for an independent examination into the incident. Their attorney, Richard Martinez, has filed formal requests for all available evidence, including body camera footage and surveillance video from nearby businesses.
“We’re concerned about the lack of transparency in this case,” Martinez stated. “When law enforcement conducts an autopsy without family notification and withholds basic information about the incident, it raises serious questions about their commitment to accountability.”
The family has organized community rallies calling for fairness and transparency, drawing support from local civil rights organizations and student groups. They’ve established a legal fund to support their efforts to obtain answers about the circumstances leading to Jabari’s death.
Homewood Police Department hasn’t responded to multiple requests for comment concerning the family’s allegations or the status of any internal investigation. The department’s silence has intensified community concerns about police accountability and use-of-force protocols.
The case has sparked renewed discussions about police transparency and accountability in the Homewood area, with community leaders calling for immediate reforms in how officer-involved shootings are handled and examined. The family continues to press for answers while mourning the loss of their son.
