Jonathan Ferrell's family says it is not an issue of race

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eyewitness News was at an NAACP rally on Monday night, as they demanded the board have more power to review the department and furious that an unarmed man was killed and Officer Randall Kerrick is out on bond.

A story of a white officer and a black victim propelled it to national news by some fanning flames of racism, but on Monday night Jonathan Ferrell's family made it clear that it is not an issue of race, but an issue of violence.

Ferrell's mother offered a powerful message to police.

"You took a piece out of my heart that can never be put back, but I do forgive you. I truly forgive you," said Georgia Ferrell.
His relatives want answers about why police shot and killed an unarmed man, but they do not believe skin color is a factor to focus on.

"I think this was poor decision making. I think this is more a reflection of where we are as a country that perhaps we need to stop, pause, regardless of race and become more sympathetic to each other," said Georgia Ferrell.

Their attorney spoke even more firmly about the actions of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Chief Rodney Monroe.

"We applaud the chief for acting swiftly that was a bold move. It is unprecedented for a chief to move so quickly and not only suspending an officer, but arresting him," said Christopher Chestnut.

Moving forward, the family pans to take time to decide whether to file a lawsuit. "He was up here trying to make a better life for him and for the family."

In the death of a young man, they said was just pursuing the American dream and seeking help after a car accident.

"It saddens me and my family that he had to be a person who had to go through something like this," said Georgia Ferrell.

WSOC