Father-of-two Marcus Meade, aged 39, died after being struck in the chest by a single bullet fired by a West Mercia Police firearms officer on Christmas Eve at his Redditch home, following reports of a concern for welfare.
His father Anthony Meade and mother Deborah Clarke are calling for the immediate suspension of the officer who fired the fatal shot.
Mr Meade’s father Anthony said: “Marcus needed help, not death. We are not going away. Our son was taken from us under circumstances that require full accountability. It is unacceptable that the officer responsible is still on duty. We demand their immediate suspension.”
Marcus Meade
“Imagine, this person could be right in front of me, or even talking to member of my family and we would have no clue. This whole nightmare continues to cause me sleepless nights. How long must we be made to suffer.”
Campaign chairman Bishop Dr Desmond Jaddoo, who runs a church in Walsall, added:“This is a long and painful road that families must travel in order to get, at times, limited answers. Families like the Meade’s become victims themselves. This cannot be allowed to continue.”
Following a rally attended by hundreds in Redditch the family is now calling on supporters in Birmingham, where Mr Meade grew up and where his parents still live, to stand with them in demanding accountability and transparency from West Mercia Police.
The next Justice for Marcus Meade Rally will take place on Saturday(5) from1pm-3pm in High Street in the city centre.
West Mercia Police stated: “We are aware of a planned protest due to take place in Birmingham on Saturday July 5. We continue to express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Marcus Meade.
Marcus Meade
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragic incident. The Independent Office for Police Conduct continues to carry out an independent investigation and it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time; however, we will do so when we are able.”
West Midlands Police said it was aware of the planned protest and added: “The public have a right to peaceful protest and we are working with the event organisers to ensure a safe gathering for everyone.”