Miami Beach Calls for Independent Review Into Death of Israel Hernandez

Following the death of teenager Israel Hernandez, the City of Miami Beach has called for an independent review of the case. Hernandez, 18, was caught tagging an abandoned building by police and then chased down. An officer deployed a Taser which lead to Hernandez's death. See also: Teenager Israel Hernandez...

By Kyle Munzenrieder

August 9, 2013

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Following the death of teenager Israel Hernandez, the City of Miami Beach has called for an independent review of the case. Hernandez, 18, was caught tagging an abandoned building by police and then chased down. An officer deployed a Taser which lead to Hernandez's death.

Here's the release from the city:

The City of Miami Beach, today, requested the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to conduct an independent review of the facts and findings of the investigation being conducted by the Miami Beach Police Department into the in-custody death of Israel Hernandez.

This independent review will be in addition to the review being conducted by the Miami-Dade State Attorney's Office and the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner's Office, both of which have been involved since the first day.

"I have complete confidence in the integrity and capacity of the Miami Beach Police Department to conduct a fair and thorough investigation. But the role of the FDLE will provide further assurance to the public of the thoroughness and transparency of the investigation," said Miami Beach City Manager Jimmy Morales.

City officials have been in contact with the Hernandez family and the Colombian Consulate to personally extend their condolences and provide assurances of a full and fair investigation.

"All of us at the City of Miami Beach continue to be saddened by this unfortunate incident and our condolences go out to the Hernandez family," Morales continued.

Asking the FDLE to conduct an outside review is quite rare for any police department, let alone the City of Miami Beach.

Jorge Mercado, the officer who deployed the Taser, has been put on leave. Previous complains on his record include charges of battery and excessive force.

Hernandez's family has called for a federal probe into the incident.

See also:

- Israel Hernandez Killing: Officer Who Tasered Teen Put on Leave, Family Ask Feds for Probe

- Israel Hernandez Killing: Here Is Miami Beach Police's Policy on Tasering People

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