Video of Newark PD Shooting Teo Valencia in the Back

(VIDEO: Camera 7, top right-hand corner, Newark police officer Conrad Rogers shoots Teo Valencia in the back with an AR-15.)


(Oakland/Newark) - This morning, Maria Magdalena Rodriguez and Teodoro Valencia, the parents of Teo Valencia, 23, gathered at the Federal Courthouse in Oakland to file a federal civil rights lawsuit against the City of Newark and the police officer (Conrad Rogers) who shot Teo Valencia to death on March 11, 2016. The lawsuit seeks damages for Teo’’s wrongful death in violation of the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and federal and state law.

Immediately following the court filing, the Anti Police-Terror Project, Siegel & Yee Law Firm and the family of Teodoro Valencia held a press conference during which time, press was able to view the video that clearly shows Teo running from the scene and being shot in the back.

“The days of police gunning down Black and Brown people in the street and then lying about the circumstances are over,” said Cat Brooks of the Anti Police-Terror Project. “More and more, we see these egregious acts being caught on video. Now, the people must build up enough will and pressure that we are able to force the courts to use that footage to indict, prosecute and jail killer cops.”

The Newark Police Department carries an AR-15 to every traffic stop. Operating with this mindset, an officer hid behind a metal door and waited for Teo Valencia to exit, then shot him in the back after he left the building. This surveillance video confirms that Newark PD has lied about what happened.

Today the Valencia family and their lawyers at Siegel & Yee seek answers and justice with the following demands:

— Tell the truth: Retraction and public apology from the Newark Police Department; as well as naming the officer.

— Accountability for murder: The officer who hunted Teo down must face the consequences of his actions through being terminated, as well as criminal prosecution.

— De-militarize the Newark Police Department: This includes the removal of AR-15 assault rifles and similar combat weapons; as well as basic de-escalation training and an emphasis on minimizing use of force.

“Teo was always happy,” said Luis Valencia, Teo’s older brother. “He was the peacemaker.”