Rally Calls for Accountability in Thevenin Case
Troy Residents are rallying together to support the Thevenin family and to call for accountability in the 2016 Troy Police Department murder of Edson TheveninÂ
TROY, NY - Today, Thursday August 19th, residents of Troy, NY will gather outside of Troy City Hall to call for accountability and justice in the 2016 murder of Edson Thevenin by Troy Police Officer Randall French.
The Troy City Council Finance Committee will be voting on Ordinance 75 authorizing funds for a financial settlement in the case of Cinthia Thevenin vs. City of Troy et al. The City of Troy continues to deny any accountability, seeking a settlement rather than facing a jury trial of this case.
Earlier this year, U.S. Magistrate Daniel J. Stewart, citing eyewitness testimony, stated there was enough material question of fact to bring this case before a jury. In March 2021, a three-judge panel of the Second Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the City of Troy’s desire to dismiss the case and affirmed that the case should go before a jury.
A memorandum, part of the Troy City Council agenda item for Ordinance 75, attempts to solidify and codify a narrative of this case that is simply false. Officer French lied about what happened that evening and the City of Troy continues to push claims disputed by Officer Centanni’s report, by the autopsy report, by the trajectory analysis, by the NY Attorney General’s office, and, most recently, by judges weighing the City of Troy’s calls for trial dismissal.
A coalition of local organizations and residents will gather before the Finance Committee vote on Ordinance 75. Speakers – including Gertha Depas, mother of Edson Thevenin, Luz Márquez Benbow (Troy 4 Black Lives), Tasheca Medina (Equality 4 Troy), Daquetta Jones and Jessica Ashley (Justice Center of Rensselaer County), and more— will speak in support of the Thevenin family, for the funding of community support services, for an end to police violence, and to continue our calls for justice and accountability in the murder of Edson Thevenin.
WHO: Troy 4 Black Lives, Equality 4 Troy, Justice Center of Rensselaer County, Reimagine Troy, and Troy community members
WHEN: Thursday, August 19th. Gather at 5:00 PM. Press conference at 5:30 PM.
WHERE: Troy City Hall Steps, 433 River Street, Troy, NY 12180