Family, supporters rally for justice for man killed in police shooting

Vernell Bing Jr. shot, killed after pursuit in May 2016, police say

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Family and supporters of a Jacksonville man killed in a police shooting last year gathered Saturday on the Northside to rally for justice in the case.

According to police, 22-year-old Vernell Bing Jr. was shot once in the side of the head by Officer Tyler Landreville after he led officers on a 3.7-mile, high-speed chase that ended when it appeared he intentionally drove into Landreville's cruiser on a Springfield street.

Civil right activists and Bing's family members rallied Saturday near where Bing was shot.

“I want answers. It’s been what, eight months? It’s almost fixing to be a year,” Bing's mother, Shirley McDaniel, said. “It’s time for justice to be served. My son didn’t deserve to be killed. There’s a lot of killers out here still living every day.”

Gary Bing said his family is pushing for justice for his cousin.

They filed a lawsuit, claiming excessive use of force and violation of Bing's federal civil rights.

They did not specify monetary damages, but said they want justice, accountability and transparency within the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

“We’re looking for answers that we can not get,” Gary Bing said. “We’re looking for justice that we need. Had I killed someone, I’d be locked up. This gentleman is not in jail. I don’t know what else has happened with him.”

The family said they’ve struggled to get answers from the Jacksonvlile Sheriff's Office.

“Every case is an uphill battle; if it wasn’t, it wouldn’t be a case,” Bing family attorney Bryce Durham said. “When you file suit, you know there’s issues on both sides that need to be resolved by a judge. So we look forward to the battle and feel at this point we’ll be successful.”

The FBI's investigation into the case has been turned over to the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, which has now begun its own inquiry into the shooting, according to a report from Jacksonville news site TheBlackViewpoint.com.

Celebrity judge to advocate for family

A celebrity TV judge and corporate attorney has signed on to represent the family of a man killed in a police shooting last year in Jacksonville.

Glenda Hatchett announced Friday that her Atlanta-based firm will represent the family of 22-year-old Vernell Bing Jr.

During a Friday news conference, Hatchett did not hold back.

“State law talks about wrongful death. Why is it necessary for someone to lose his life if he does not pose an immediate threat?” Hatchett said. “We have to continue to keep this conversation elevated, so that it’s not just one more case, one more young person losing their life. This has to be a continuing conversation in this nation.”


About the Authors:

Scott is a multi-Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Reporter, who also hosts the “Going Ringside With The Local Station” Podcast. Scott has been a journalist for 25 years, covering stories including six presidential elections, multiple space shuttle launches and dozens of high-profile murder trials.

Award-winning broadcast and multimedia journalist with 20 years experience.