Family of Steven Taylor, man killed at San Leandro Walmart, says they're 'blindsided' by DA's move to dismiss case again
Five years after his death, Steven Taylor's family is still seeking justice.
His family and friends held a news conference on Wednesday after Alameda County District Attorney Ursula Jones Dickson filed a motion to dismiss the case against the police officer accused of killing Taylor in a San Leandro Walmart in 2020.
"I think I would have fainted if there hadn't been so many people standing beside me," said Addie Kitchen, Taylor's grandmother.
She said she was blindsided by D.A.'s motion to dismiss the case, with prosecutors facing steep challenges.
"She said first of all, it was too old. There's too many people that she feels would wipe out everything, the 12 witnesses," Kitchen said.
RELATED: Judge denies motion to dismiss trial against ex-San Leandro officer who fatally shot Steven Taylor
A judge has already denied two previous motions to dismiss the case. But that judge is now on vacation, and friends and family believe the D.A.'s timing in filing another dismissal motion is intentional.
Cat Brooks, of the Anti Police-Terror Project, said the D.A. is trying to get the dismissal in front of a new judge she believes will be more sympathetic to her beliefs.
"It's backdoor dealings in what is supposed to be a very upfront process. The D.A.'s office is supposed to actually represent the people, not betray the people," Brooks said.
Kitchen said after five years making its way through the legal system, she wants the case to go before a jury -- a feeling she says is stronger than ever now that she feels the district attorney is working against her.
RELATED: Another delay in case against ex-San Leandro police officer who killed man at Walmart 5 years ago
"She does not want to charge a policeman. Period. That's her reasoning," said Kitchen.
The new judge will hear the motion to dismiss on Friday and decide how to proceed.
In the meantime, Kitchen says she'll keep moving forward in her grandson's honor.
"I don't think I'll ever be able to move on. I'll never forget. How do you forget?"
