When the appeal court acquitted three police officers for the manslaughter of 16-year-old Vanessa Kirkland Monday, it was as though the haunting memories once put to rest for her loved ones regained life.
Her mother Veronica Nelson broke down explaining the hurt and shock at the outcome. She took a stroll down memory lane in disbelief that despite her loss there was nothing the justice system could do for her.
But this time, it was her daughter whose body was being riddled with bullets from the weapons of three officers. Vanessa was a student of immaculate conception high. She was one of seven people in the blue Suzuki Swift motorcar and was the only one who died. As Nelson recounted the horrific night, tears stained her cheeks as her voice trembled. The distraught mother, commonly known to friends as “Joy”, said the nickname was no longer befitting, as all she felt was despair.
On Monday, the anguish was heightened as the case against the three officers, who were previously convicted and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment, was dismissed in the court of appeal.
Reporter: Natalia Clarke
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