In a poignant and emotional testimony, Robert Lewis addressed the Aurora City Council, expressing his profound grief over the death of his son, Kylan Lewis, who was killed by police on May 23, 2024. For 144 days, Lewis has been seeking justice and accountability, only to be met with silence and disrespect from the authorities. He revealed that District Attorney John Kellner had made a determination regarding the case without notifying the family, leaving them feeling as though Kylan's life was deemed insignificant.

Lewis emphasized the pain shared by countless Black fathers who have lost their sons to violence and systemic racism, stating, \"My son wasn't a statistic. He was a man with hopes, with a future.\" He condemned the decision not to charge the officer involved, highlighting the message it sends about the value of Black lives. \"I don't just want condolences; I want justice,\" he declared, calling for accountability from the system that he believes failed his son.

Madian Schauffner also spoke, echoing Lewis's sentiments and criticizing the narrative surrounding Kylan's death. He argued that the report released by the DA perpetuated a presumption of guilt against Kylan, rather than addressing the failures of the police involved. Schauffner insisted that the leadership in Aurora had failed Kylan both in life and in death.

Joel Greenberg, another resident, drew parallels between Kylan's death and historical injustices, urging the council to recognize the urgency of the situation. He implored the leaders to act with bravery and integrity, stating that each state-sponsored killing undermines the council's credibility.

The testimonies from Lewis, Schauffner, and Greenberg reflect a community grappling with grief and anger over police violence and a perceived lack of accountability. As the council faces mounting pressure from residents demanding justice, the emotional weight of these discussions underscores the urgent need for systemic change in how law enforcement interacts with the community.