Family of Unarmed Black Man Killed by Homewood Police Speaks Out, Demands Justice and Transparency

Homewood, AL – The family of Jabari Latrell Peoples, a young black man who was shot and killed by a Homewood Police officer on June 23, 2025, has released a powerful statement condemning the actions of the police department and demanding justice and transparency.

According to the family, Jabari was approached by an officer in an unmarked vehicle with no lights, sirens, or visible identification. Despite complying with the officer’s instructions, Jabari was taken to the ground and shot within seconds. A witness to the incident reported that there was no weapon or threat present, and the officer took no life-saving action after shooting Jabari.

The family was not notified of Jabari’s death until over 12 hours later, when they were contacted by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. By that time, Jabari’s body had already been transported, an autopsy had been conducted without their knowledge or consent, and they were instructed to send a funeral home to retrieve him.

The family’s statement directly contradicts reports and assumptions being pushed publicly, which have suggested that Jabari was armed, aggressive, and resisted arrest. Instead, the family asserts that Jabari was unarmed, compliant, and posed no threat to the officer.

“We were denied the right to identify him. We were denied the right to be present. We were denied basic dignity,” the family’s statement reads. “This was not just negligence. It was a violation of Jabari’s civil rights, of our family’s human rights, of due process, and of decency.”

The family is demanding immediate public release of the full police report, all available body cam and dash cam footage, identification of the officer involved, a full independent investigation, and accountability at every level.

“We will pursue this case until the truth is fully exposed and justice is served — not only for Jabari, but for every family who’s been forced to bury a loved one without answers,” the statement concludes. “We demand transparency, justice, and full accountability.”

Jabari, a college student with a promising future, was just one of many unarmed black men who have been killed by police in recent years. His family’s demands for justice and transparency are a powerful reminder of the need for accountability and reform within law enforcement agencies.

As the investigation into Jabari’s death continues, the community is coming together to support his family and demand justice. The Homewood Police Department has yet to release a statement or provide any explanation for the events surrounding Jabari’s death.

The police department said when Peoples, the driver, exited the vehicle, the officer observed a handgun in the door pocket. Police said the officer attempted to arrest Peoples for unlawful possession of marijuana, but he resisted, leading to a physical struggle.

During the altercation, police claim Peoples retrieved the handgun, posing an immediate threat to the officer’s safety. In response, the officer fired one round from his service weapon, striking Peoples.

Police said the officer issued multiple commands for Peoples to release the handgun and called for emergency backup. The second occupant, who initially fled, returned and was instructed to sit on the curb while the officer secured the handgun from Peoples.

Homewood Police issued a news release saying they plan to meet with the family to show them camera footage of the video and incident to show that Peoples has his hand on a handgun.

The family’s statement serves as a powerful call to action, highlighting the need for systemic change and accountability within law enforcement agencies.