In the wake of recent dissatisfaction with the actions of the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, a gathering occurred where families and supporters of multiple victims of homicide united to demand fairness and accountability.
They openly expressed their discontent towards District Attorney Pamela Price, accusing her of not adequately holding wrongdoers accountable and safeguarding the community. This assembly took place yesterday, a few days subsequent to the commencement of efforts to recall Price.
Anna Tolentino, the mother of Rienhart Asuncion, shared her displeasure with the handling of her son’s case. Asuncion tragically lost his life last year in an incident believed to be connected to road rage.
Tolentino conveyed that the punishment given to the 17-year-old individual linked to the case was unacceptable and should have been more severe.
Alongside her call for the attention of the District Attorney, others present expressed similar grievances, some wielding signs in favor of recalling Price, as reported by the Berkeley Scanner.
During the event, other families echoed comparable sentiments, seeking fairness and accountability for their deceased loved ones. Some accused Price of displaying favoritism towards perpetrators, potentially contributing to the surge in violent crimes within the county.
While it’s important to note that Price assumed office earlier this year, many hold the belief that her policies have complicated the work of law enforcement.
Butch Ford, a former prosecutor in Alameda County who is currently facing charges from Price, spoke out against her handling of these cases. He asserted that her approach to the criminal justice system had led to more lenient sentences.
Brenda Grisham, a long-standing advocate for victims’ rights, also criticized the way the DA’s office treated families of homicide victims, urging an end to increasingly lax sentences.
Patricia Harris, a mother who lost her son, expressed sorrow over the lack of communication between families and the DA’s office. She expressed optimism for eventual accountability.
With the official initiation of the campaign to recall Price, she now has a few days to offer a response. The signature collection process is set to begin shortly after this timeframe, although specific requirements and procedures are still pending clarification from state and county authorities.
The Alameda County Democratic Party has stepped forward to support Price, urging voters to allow her to fulfill her responsibilities and implement the reforms she pledged during her campaign. As of now, the DA’s office has refrained from commenting on the situation.