Activists mark third anniversary of Andy Lopez’s death

A small group of protesters marched to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Friday to mark the third anniversary of the shooting death of 13-year-old Andy Lopez. See a video.|
PAUL PAYNE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

About two dozen activists marched to the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Friday to commemorate the third anniversary of the shooting death of 13-year-old Andy Lopez by a sheriff's deputy.

Protesters carrying signs and chanting slogans made the 1-mile walk from the front lawn at Santa Rosa Junior College at the start of the noon lunch hour.

They requested a meeting with Sheriff Steve Freitas, but were told he was unavailable, organizers said.

WATCH A VIDEO OF THE MARCH HERE.

Lopez was shot on Oct. 22, 2013 by Deputy Erick Gelhaus while walking down Moorland Avenue carrying a pellet gun that resembled an assault rifle. Gelhaus said he mistook the replica for a real firearm and shot Lopez when the youth turned toward him.

The shooting sparked protests about police use of force and calls for civilian oversight of law enforcement agencies.

Gelhaus was cleared of wrongdoing following a lengthy investigation and promoted to sergeant last May.

Lopez's family is suing the county in an ongoing federal wrongful death case.

"It's terrible," said Lopez's mother, Sujey, who participated in Friday's march. "It's not justice for my child."

On Saturday, activists will hold a prayer vigil at the Moorland Avenue undeveloped lot where Lopez died. The property is scheduled to become a park.

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