Civil rights activists and the ACLU demand an independent investigation into the death of a 15-year-old Black teenager who was found dead in an Iberia Parish sugar cane field.
An Iberia Parish Coroner’s report concluded that Quawan “Bobby” Charles drowned and that damage to his face was caused by wildlife, but ACLU of Louisiana head Alanah Odoms believes it may have been a hate crime.
“An explanation that he merely drowned and that this was accidental is insufficient and we know it to be false but we don’t’ know if there was some kind of foul play involved and there is some kind of cover-up going on,” said Odoms.
Charles’ body has been sent to an independent forensics lab in Texas. A report from that lab is expected soon.
Charles’ parents have expressed serious concern with the lack of transparency and slow pace of the investigation. Odoms said the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Department has provided little information to the family.
“In the instance of a child, who is Black, especially young Black boys, we see somewhat of an indifference to the loss of life,” said Odoms.
Last week an Iberia Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson said the investigation is ongoing and there is little information that can be given out at this time, but the death is being investigated as a possible homicide.
Charles went missing on October 30th in Baldwin. Odoms said it’s highly frustrating that Baldwin Police did not contact State Police about putting out an Amber Alert after being contacted by Charles’ family.
“The fact that that was not done it think there is certainly a high degree of responsibility there,” said Odoms.
Charles was found 20 miles away from his home in the field near Loreauville on November 3rd.
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