Ronnie Ledesma Jr.

How they died

Deadly force

Ronnie Ledesma Jr. was detained by a police officer outside a Walgreen's because he allegedly matched the description of one of two men allegedly causing a disturbance in the store. Believing Ledesma to be intoxicated while driving, the officer attempted to arrest Ledesma. Ledesma resisted, laying on his back, hiding his hands and kicking at the officer. The officer began striking Ledesma with his baton, to little effect. Other officers arrived and began striking Ledesma with their batons. A police dog bit Ledesma on the leg. After scores of baton strikes, Ledesma was finally handcuffed. The baton strikes to the head resulted in Ledesma suffering a stroke and a blood clot and he died days later. A wrongful death civil suit is still active.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Ronnie Ledesma Jr., and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources