We stand with Dalys Jett’s family and friends in their fight for justice for Dalys. We demand: Release the unedited body cam videos to the public immediately! Charge, arrest, and jail all lying and killer cops!
On July 22, IMPD officers Donald Meier, Jessica Dickinson, and Michael Totten shot and killed Dalys Jett, a 21-year-old college student and father to a young child. Two of the cops were “injured” and taken to Eskenazi Hospital. One cop, who was transported in a police car, was released shortly after while the other remained in the hospital for over a week. The IMPD immediately slandered Jett, telling the press, which reprinted the claim without any qualification, that, “After Jett shot at police, at least three officers returned fire.”
At a press conference early the next day, IMPD Chief Tanya Terry stated, “If there’s anything that you should take away from tonight, it should be this: tonight, our officers showed up to protect someone in need.”
“And they were met with violence,” she continued, “and that is not OK. It’s not OK today. It’s not OK ever.”
The day after Chief Terry praised our “brave protectors,” the cops were forced to admit that Dickinson—the officer who was seriously wounded—was shot by a fellow officer and not Jett. At this point, media reports were no longer reprints of police statements. In FOX 59’s article, for example, they changed their wording to “IMPD claims Jett fired shots at the officers” (emphasis added). In a rare move, on July 30 the IMPD walked their initial story further back, stating they could only confirm that forensic testing matched a bullet retrieved from the other cop’s bulletproof vest to Jett’s gun. As of this writing, nearly a month later, they still have not said how the bullet traveled from Jett’s gun to the IMPD officer’s protective vest.
Meanwhile, Jett’s family was organizing with the community to demand access to the unredacted bodycam footage from the incident in accordance with state law. They were scheduled to view footage on July 30 just before the IMPD issued their revised account, but the cops delayed it until Dickinson was able to review it first and issue her official statement, allegedly to protect the “integrity” of the investigation.
Finally, on August 12, Dalys’s father, Derrick Jett, viewed some of the bodycam footage of the minutes before the cops took Dalys’s life. Rev. Davanta Scruggs, a Pastor and family friend serving as their spokesperson, released a statement that read:
“Here is what the family can tell you. In the recordings that were played to Dalys’ father yesterday, he did not see his son fire a weapon at a police officer. The family does not know what is in the recordings the department would not show him. That is exactly why they want them released.”
Rev. Scruggs reiterated that the family is not making any accusations. Unlike the cops and media stenographers, they want access to all of the evidence before doing so. How likely is it that, out of the entire body of material available, the cops wouldn’t select footage containing a “smoking gun,” or definitive proof Jett shot at the cops? Why would they reserve that for the remaining footage they want to force the family to acquire through litigation?
IMPD’s record of lying in 2026
PSL Indianapolis, which was one of many groups who helped organize a community vigil and press conference on August 7 at Hovey St. Church of Christ, continues supporting the family and their decisions. However, as organizers who have struggled against IMPD terror for years, we have good reason not to believe the IMPD. In fact, anyone paying attention to police in this city over the last few years would at least be extremely skeptical of any of their claims.
In April, Sergeant Robyn Frazier arrested Dailen Brewer, a Black teenager and charged him with attempted murder in Riverside Park. As written in a sworn affidavit—meaning under penalty of perjury—she alleged that, as she approached the vehicle, “Brewer appeared to be pointing a revolver towards Sgt. Frazier… Brewer raised the revolver, then dropped the gun and raised both hands.” Afterwards, Chief Terry praised Sgt. Frazier who, she said, survived a “rapidly escalating and extremely dangerous” encounter and “responded with professionalism.” As bodycam footage soon revealed, Sgt. Frazier lied about the entire incident. Throughout the altercation, Brewer’s hands were raised and nowhere near the legal firearms in the car.
In February, the IMPD claimed Jamar and Lamonte Thomas, two Black men, attempted to rob Christian Bunnell, a 21-year-old white man who was brandishing a firearm in public. Bunnell admitted to the cops he was flashing his weapon at a Black man in an alley (who the police have not sought out). Lamonte Thomas told journalists from the Indianapolis Liberator Bunnell said he would “kill anybody.” Bunnell was escorted by friendly officers after he shot Jamar in the abdomen, an injury that would ultimately result in his death. Meanwhile, Lamonte was locked up for attempted armed robbery despite the fact that no one the police questioned stated they witnessed an attempted armed robbery and after Lamonte was released from jail, authorities returned the entire $325 he had on him the night of the arrest (instead of, say, marking it as evidence).
It wasn’t until the family spoke out at a widely-covered press conference that the media started telling the real side of the story: Lamonte and Jamar Thomas were heroes that night. However, Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears has still not dropped the ludicrous charges against Lamonte Thomas.
No Chief has tried to fire killer cops since the Merit Board protected Aaron Bailey’s murderers. Instead of holding any cops accountable, the IMPD repeatedly shifts the blame to the community and slanders its victims. If it is just a few “bad apples” that spoil the whole bunch, why haven’t they removed a single bad apple? The answer is obvious: the bunch is already irredeemably rotten.
Signatories
- Davanta Scruggs, Pastor
- Trey Martin, Football Player, Walsh University
- Stephen Lane II, Treasurer, Indiana Black Librarians Network
- Dani Abdullah, Social Worker
- Ethan Johnson, Dalys’s Cousin
- Riley Park, Organizer and Co-Founder, Indianapolis Liberation Center
- Nikki Schumpert
- Adynn Ford, Dalys’s Stepsister
- Konnor Tetzioff, Football Player, Walsh University
- Chris Jones, Football Player, Walsh University
- Terrell Grier, Football Player, Walsh University
- Karson Jaber, Football Player, Walsh University
- Jake Gill, Football Player, Walsh University
- Michael Howman-Williams, Football Player, Walsh University
- Corey Jacobs, Football Player, Walsh University
- Drew Walter, Football Player, Walsh University
- Lucas Young, Football Player, Walsh University
- Eli Solak, Football Player, Walsh University
- Grant Knight, Football Player, Walsh University
- Alexander Davis, Football Player, Walsh University
- Brady Engle, Football Player, Walsh University
- Colin Daniels, Football Player, Walsh University
- Ethan Lorenzana, Football Player, Walsh University
- Alvonte Ivory, Football Player, Walsh University
- Noah Brock, Football Player, Walsh University
- Brody Smith, Student
- Jesse Brown, Indianapolis City-County Council, District 13
- Imani Luellen, Indianapolis Urban League
- Ryan Freeman, City Colts Youth Football Organization
- Rebecca Marsh, Peace Learning Center
- David Franks, Pastor
- Brown Jenkins, Retired
- Monty Jenkins, Actor
- Ellis Marshall, USPS
- Daissy Cook, Hope Packages
- Akhim Abdullah, PSL-Indianapolis
- Dr. Derek R. Ford, Associate Professor, DePauw University
- Norris Jenkins, Family Member
- Freddy Asberry-Johnson, Revenue Cycle Services
- Karen Cecil-Tharpe
- Ataiyah Holloway, BAF
- Iamya Wooden
- Rochell McGee
- Lucas Lee, About Face
- Johnny Hall, Customs Trade Compliance
- Mary East
- Valerie Carrillo, Scientist
- Lindsey Holtgrave, Data Research Analyst
- Jon Howe, Recording Engineer
- Morgan Jones, Funeral Director
- Noah Leininger, Teacher
- Sam James, Hope Packages
- Cecilia Gomez, PSL-Indianapolis
- Angelina Morgan, Scientist
- Josh Gerber, Cybersecurity
- Henry Salinas, Engineer
- Katie Curran, Healthcare
- Taylor Ellingwood, Sales
- Niyah Banks
- Denaé Bennett, Pharmacist
- Christopher House, Finance
- Ceair Compton
- Ashley Fancger, Healthcare
- Kelly Mosesso, Statistcian
- Maxine Stokes, Self Employed
- Jayden Ford, Athlete
- Teriya Singh, Nursing
- Janis White, Boh Transportation
- Kendrra Williams
- Alexis Washington
- Keiara Kendrick, Activist
- Doris Kendrick, Retired
- Shante Lomax
- Brianna Ramon, PSL
- Ramiah Pepper, Package Handler
- Kaylee Smith, Lab Supervisor
- Charlotte Troup, RVT
- Jasmine Shepherd
- Natasha Robinson, Teacher
- Michelle Reed, Caregiver
- Donyeckia Rayner, Cosmetologist
- Kameron Armstrong
- Rose Cirosil, Cosmetics
- Kierra Warrix, Legal Assistant
- Sha’Miyah Sanders, CNA
- Jordan Bradley, College Student
- Malachi Coaster, Student
- Brittney Turner, Education
- Audrey Lemmons, Education
- Arnita Bell
- Brieana Mayo, Sales Lead
- Jakyra Moore, Justice for Dalys
- Stephanie Harvey, Teacher
- Ali Epple, Merchandiser
- Michael Perkins, Bartender
- Tracy Fizer, TikTok
- Hope Watkins
- Brijiun Johnson, Jewelry Consultant
- Ciara Mason, Caesars
- Dominique Williams, Flight Attendant
- Christi Toliver, Accounts Payable Manager
- Kara Jones, Cook
- Sharismar Mendez, Friend of Dalys
- Camila Gonzalez, Cosmetologist
- Travis Foster
- Malcolm Wilmington
- Katelin Henry
- George Gattison, FBA
- Donte Bailey, Gym Teacher, Kappa Alpha Psi
- ToWan Johnson, Medical Billing and Coding
- Aashia Holland, Contractor
- Mykaell Jones, Artist
- Shaila Morgan
- Rachel Hartzler, Facilitator of Youth Development
- Monica Brooks
- Jada Wilson, College Student
- Kat Lawson
- Andrea Price, Retired
- Lisa Kirkwood, PSL
- Regina Thomas, Mother
- Rick Gross, Teacher
- LaTonya Blair, Realtor
- Loraine Starks, Registered Nurse
- Ainsley Ross, Software
- Carolyn Wolfe, Counselor
- Kelli McGee, Nurse
- Von Holland
- William Weisiger, Sales
- Diamond Blue, Student
- Amber Gibeault, Retired
- Jamyla Grimes, Justice For Dalys Jett
- Kayla Lawson
- Sheila Newton, City Colts Football Youth Organization
- Camryn Estes, Waitress
- Dantu Gardner
- Justin Wide, Student
- Shinyia Mcmillian, Self Employed
- Hy Thurman, Rainbow Coalition
- Alex Watkins, Social Worker
- Donae Dyson, Non Profit
- Sherry Davis, Retired
- Nicole Jones, Mental Health Therapist
- Samantha Douglas, Community Leader
- Carmen Brown, Bookkeeper
- Madeleine Cruz, Student
- Kristen Kenimond, PSL
- Jennifer Newton, PSL
- Anika Harris, Financial Services
- Ashley Scardino, HR
- Jasmine Moody, Project Manager
- Lasoka Mckeller
- Jay Grillo, Documentarian
- Phillip Greene, Grocery Retailer
- Alexa Calonia, PhD Student
- Charlene Cruz, Student
- Chaselin Elias, PSL
- Abby Morgan, Action Neighbors
- Samantha Martinez
- Taylor Zuber
- Marva Williams, Healthcare
- Marley Headley, College Student
- Monic Sanders, JCPS
- Amanda LaMielle, Educator
- Joanne Morgan, Health Services
- Derrick Jett, Operations Manager
- Sam Barnett
- Jordan Shea, Freelance
- Ishmael Njinimbam, Engineer
- Lanise Wafford, Operations Administrator
- Allison Sincich, Friend of Dalys
- Maat Sankofa, Teacher
- Morgan McLennan, Student
- Sharon Trotter, Retired Case Manager
- Yona Scudder, Student
- Monica Douthitt, Youth/Young Adult Mentor
- Brooklyn Murphy, Teacher
- Amaya Beeler
- Ashlyn Douthitt, LMFT and Professor
- Brian Thigpen
- Zharia Jones, Secretary
- Quida Terry, Retired
- Taylor Ellingwood
- Albert Montero, Videographer
- Isaiah Rhodes, Indianapolis Airport
- Christina Moore, Paralegal
- Deija Page
- Teriya Singh, Nurse
- Deressa Carothers
- Erika Moore, Design
- Buddy Willing, Student, Walsh University
- Peter James
- Kennedy Owens, CNA
- Devante Gilbert, The Moorish Science Temple of America
- DeJanea Evans, Healthcare
- Jeriah Moor, Student Nurse
- Yalonda King, Human Resources
- Zion Robinson, Student
- Kelsey Legg, Student
- Tara Wilkerson, Referral Coordinator
- Tre’Von Archie, Jesus Disciples
- Xavier McFalls, Minister
- Caden Peters
- Zharia Jones, Secretary
- Chris Roberson
- Daria Sebree
- Cierra Battle, Student, Indiana University
- Gwen Cseh, Childcare
- Lance Coleman
- Destiny LeJohn, Area Director
- Damon Smith
- Monica Williams
- TB Frank, Student
- Princeton Davis, City Colts Youth Football Organization
- Eric Scudder, Designer
- Brandon Betanzoa, Warehouse Associate
- Laci Kinter, Friend of Dalys
- Alexander John, College Student
- DeAndre Thomas, Football Player, Harding University
- Jai’lah Woodson, Student
- Caio Pantaleao Izidoro
- Jermaine Wilson, Coach
- Raylin Adams
- Amir Aaron, College Student/Athlete
- Styx Null, Student
- Cenaisha Scruggs
- Kharma Mey
- Keelyn Franklin, Teacher
- Lamyah Shelton
- Ziah Lowery, Coach
- Jackie White, Realtor
- Camari Hagler, General Motors
- Arial Ford
- Ash Errichiello, Educator
- Jazmere Redd
- Kendrea Williams, PitchFeast Corp.
- Tara Wilkerson
- Eddy Becker, Target Team Member
- Latoya Walker
- Beth Miller, The Cause Conduit
- Rebecca Tyler, Senior Operations Supervisor
- Kalyah Watson
- Aalyah Watson
- Ana Lazarevic
- Holly Juip, Nonprofit
- Jasmin Holt, College Basketball Player
- Mariah Davis, Basketball Player
- Jonesha Neal, Student Athlete
- Elysa Martinez
- Rihanna DeLeon
- Biyyana Ellis
- Mikalah Buckley, Student Athlete
- JaNya Thomas, Student
- Waikimihia Douglas-Karauna, Student
- Juliet Esomchukwu, Student
- Rae Boothe
- Godwin Esomchukwu, Electrician
- Brianna Esom
- Udi Anyiam, Student
- Daniel Chibueze, Student
- Chinedum Nwosu, Student
- Lyric Barr, Student Athlete
- Jasmyn Johnson, Coach
- Randy Morton
- Melody Karauna, Mentor
- Matthew Clay, Driver
- Victor Esomchukwu, College Student
- Nikki Bartlett, Human Resources
- Avalon Munoz, Assistant Coach
- Kelechi Oliver, Student
- Trina Coleman, Supply Chain Management
- Hinetaapora Short, Real Estate
- Silk Johnson, Teacher/Coach
- Michelle Butler Walker, Nurse
- Riana Poese
- Blessing Esomchukwu
- Ofa Funaki, Crop Worker
- Waikare Funaki, Picker
- Alondra Reyes, Student
- Mahara Karauna, Self Employed
- PJ Neal, Basketball Player
- Renee Douglas, Teacher
- Te Hereripene Karauna
- Sharon Hampton, Healthcare
- Imani Henderson, Student
- LaShelle Smiley
- Cynthia Mobley
- Renee Fuller, Business Finance Officer
- Daniel Tietzer
- Raquel Ogletree, Registered Nurse
- Rita Harris, Minister
- Gretchen McMullen, Retired Army
- Tameria Gammon, Pharmaceutical
- Michael Jones
- Kayin Muhammad
- Harry Fuller, Jr.
- Mary Logwood, Retired
- Elisha Gamble, Student, Indiana University