Jory Lester (Full Name: Jory Jamarr Lester) Died In Stockton Police Shooting Under The Fremont Street and Pershing Avenue Overpass By Red Roof Inn

STOCKTON, CALIFORNIA (November 5, 2023) – A man identified as Jory Lester has tragically died in a Stockton police shooting under the Fremont Street and Pershing Avenue overpass.

Stockton police officials are saying that the incident took place on September 11. Police got a call about a man who was allegedly trying to break the window of a third-floor room at the Red Roof Inn on Freemont.

Police officers were called to the scene and encountered Jory Lester. A brief confrontation occurred and at one point the suspect walked away with his hands in the air.

Stockton police officials began yelling commands before one of the officer shot the suspect seven times. Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the suspect.

Sadly, Jory Lester later died due to his injuries. A full investigation by the California Department of Justice is currently underway.

 

Liability For Stockton Police Shootings

California has one of the highest instances of fatal police shootings. According to the Public Policy Institute of California, “About 195 people die each year from interactions with California law enforcement. Gunshots are by far the most common cause of death: nearly 250 people are shot by police each year.” People who are suffering from untreated mental illness are substantially more likely to be killed in police shootings. There are many measures that police officers should take to prevent shootings with suspects in the midst of a mental health crisis.

• Police officers should be trained to understand when a suspect is in the midst of a mental health crisis.
• Police officers should receive crisis intervention training.
• Police officers should be equipped with less-lethal alternatives such as tasers.

Police officers should only use lethal force when it is necessary to defend human life. Pursuant to California Penal Code 835a, “the authority to use physical force, conferred on peace officers by this section, is a serious responsibility that shall be exercised judiciously and with respect for human rights and dignity and for the sanctity of every human life.” Every person in California has the right to be free from the use of excessive force which is exercise under the color of law. Police officers should typically not shoot a suspect in many different situations.

• Police officers should typically not shoot suspects that are attempting to flee.
• Police officers should not shoot suspects that do not pose a threat of harm.
• Police officers should not shoot or strike suspects that are already restrained.

A large portion of the police shootings that occur each year are preventable. They are much more likely to occur when officers fail to follow protocol. This is particularly common when officers are dealing with suspects who are under the influence of drugs or in the midst of a mental health crisis. The family of any person that died in a police shooting may be able to seek some measure of justice through a civil rights claim.

 

Investigating Stockton Police Shootings

We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of Jory Lester. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong. It is our sincere hope that measures are taken to prevent other tragedies like this. The Stockton Police Department needs to do their part and be completely transparent about what took place.

Do you need more information about a Stockton police shooting? Our team of civil rights attorneys are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that victims of excessive force are aware of their rights and that police departments are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any incident we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at  (949) 825-5200.