‘How much do we have to endure?’

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Family, friends and community activists held a vigil for Bryan Moore at Campanella Park in Compton Sunday evening, June 29. Above, Criminal Investigator Paul Parker III speaks to the media at a news conference. A poster behind him reads ‘How much of this do we have to endure?’

Moore, listed below, was killed in a deputy-involved shooting Thursday, June 26. Milton Grimes, an attorney for Moore’s family, said information from witnesses suggest that the use of force by the deputy was unjustified. Grimes said Moore was shot three or four times in the back.

Moore’s girlfriend, Chanta Deeminter, 27, said she and Moore were returning to her home when she saw a sheriff’s patrol car. Deeminter told Moore that she believed the patrol car was following her. Moore panicked. ‘He was breathing hard,’ Deeminter said. Moore then jumped out of the car and ran. A deputy chased him on foot, then shots were fired. Deeminter said she heard three shots. The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement that Moore was asked to show his hands. Instead, Moore looked, then turned toward the deputy. Fearing for his life, the deputy shot him, the statement said.

‘This is an ongoing thing,’ said James Connor, a resident of Compton. ‘There’s going to be more shootings like this now that summer is here,’ he said.

A dispute between family members interrupted the vigil. News cameras recorded the argument, which turned into a fight. ‘This is not news,’ a bystander said after he was asked about the fight.

At the end of the vigil everyone gathered in a prayer circle, while a sheriff’s helicopter circled around the park.