Shortly after the verdict in the Philando Castile case was announced, the victimâs mother unleashed an emotional response on social mediaâexpressing the pain of having lost her son as well as the injustices plaguing the black community.Â
âIâm sure yâall seen this bullshit that happened today. Fuck what they talking about!â Valerie Castile said in the Facebook video. âIâve been holding myself, trying to be strong, and not say the wrong things because I already know how they get down. Iâm 61 years old. Iâve seen it, Iâve smelled it, Iâve heard it. Now you see exactly what these motherfuckers think about us. They murdered my motherfucking son with his seat belt on. So what does that say to you?â
Hours before the video went up, a Minnesota jury found former police officer Jeronimo Yanez not guilty on all charges relating to the fatal shooting of Philando. Yanez was facing charges of second-degree manslaughter as well as two counts of reckless discharge of a firearm.
âNow they got free reign to keep killing us any kind of way they want to. So I just want to say one thing to everybody out there: I donât give a fuck what you do! Do what your heart desires because that shit wasnât right!,â she said. âAnd Iâm here to say that and fuck the police! Say whatever the fuck you want to say! [âŚ] I donât give no fuck no more! This shit is crazy!â
A week prior to the verdict, Yanez gave his account of the events that took place leading up to Philandoâs death. He told the court he had pulled Philando over as he was driving with his girlfriend, Diamond Reynolds, and her 4-year-old daughter. Yanez said the made the traffic stop matched the description of a robbery suspect. After Yanez approached the car, Philando informed the officer he was armed, but had a license to carry. Yanez claimed Philando disregarded his demands and began reaching for the firearm.
âI was scared to death. I thought I was going to die. My family popped into my head. My wife. My baby girl,â he said. âI was forced to engage Mr. Castile. I did not want to shoot Mr. Castile. Those were not my intentions."
Philando was shot seven times. He was declared dead 20 minutes after he was shot.
ââOh yeahâhe was in fear for this life!â Bull-motherfucking-shit! You shouldnât be no police officer if youâre going to handle yourself in that manner,â Valerie said. âDo what you do! âCause this shit going to keep on happening, and itâs going to be you one day in this fucked-up motherâs club with their children murdered by the motherfucking police!â
You can watch the full video here.