Demonstration outside Lafayette Police Department calling for justice in Pellerin shooting investigation, new allegations of assault

LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)- The attorney representing Trayford Pellerin, 31 of Lafayette who was shot by police while carrying a knife about two weeks ago now also represents the Celestine brothers. 

Attorney Ronald Haley says if there’s something to back up acts of excessive, force then release the video.

“If this investigation is to be done by the Lafayette police department, then release that information. Release the 911 call and release the body cam footage that led to the apprehension of one of the twins; and the brutal takedown and assault of both of the twins,” Haley added.

Haley says Saturday is not the twins’ first encounter with Lafayette Police.

The attorney provided video of what he says is a pattern of police going after the twins.

Haley says one of the officers know the brothers.

Community activist Jamal Taylor says sorry is not enough anymore.

“The issue is that we know it could be done differently. I just don’t think the leadership is equipt to handle it differently,” Taylor explained.

Eugene Collins of Baton Rouge says he’s in Lafayette representing the NAACP’s statewide branch. 

Collins says there’s a concern about state police conducting the investigation — which is normal protocol.

The goal is for an angency not to self-investigate which could lead to bias.

“They’re going through a host of issues around racial discrimination amongst their own troopers. How can we trust them to treat the community fairly; if they can’t even treat each other with respect,” Collins stated.