Austin, Texas – Over three years since the fatal shooting of Alex Gonzales Jr. by Austin police, his family’s attorneys are advocating for the release of internal affairs investigative files to the public.

Seeking Transparency

The legal team representing Gonzales’ family believes that disclosing these files will enable the public to form independent judgments regarding the circumstances leading to Gonzales’ death. These files, known as G-files, contain internal affairs reports and complaints against officers, but they have yet to be made public in Gonzales’ case.

Formal Complaint Filed

In response to the incident, Gonzales’ family has lodged a formal complaint against Officer Gabriel Gutierrez with the Office of Police Oversight. Initially portrayed as a road rage incident, the family’s attorneys contest this narrative. They assert that Officer Gutierrez acted recklessly, ultimately shooting Gonzales and his girlfriend while their infant was in the backseat.

Video Footage Released

The Austin Police Department has released body camera footage from the January 5, 2021, incident, shedding light on the events leading to Gonzales’ death. Despite this, Gonzales’ family continues to advocate for the public release of the internal affairs investigative files.

Legal Perspectives

Austin Kaplan, an attorney not involved in the case, suggests that the city faces challenges in maintaining the confidentiality of these documents. He argues that the allegations against public officials in a public proceeding should not be shielded from public scrutiny. Kaplan speculates that the files may reveal instances where officers were cleared despite questionable conduct.

Potential Implications

While a Travis County Grand Jury declined to indict the APD officers involved in 2022, the release of the investigative files could alter the course of the case. Kaplan suggests that the contents of these files may uncover discrepancies in the handling of police misconduct cases.

Call for Accountability

Attorney Don Puckett, speaking on behalf of Gonzales’ family, emphasizes the importance of accountability and learning from such incidents to improve police practices. He underscores the need for transparency in evaluating the adequacy of internal affairs investigations and the subsequent disciplinary measures.

Deadline Looms

The City of Austin faces a looming deadline to file a motion preserving the confidentiality of the internal affairs documents. Failure to do so could result in the public release of the files, potentially reshaping public perception of the case.

Conclusion: Advocating for Transparency and Accountability

As the legal battle continues, the family of Alex Gonzales Jr. remains steadfast in their pursuit of transparency and accountability in the aftermath of his tragic death. With mounting pressure to release the internal affairs investigative files, the outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for police accountability and public trust in law enforcement. For updates on this developing story and more local news, download The Local News App today.

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