We remember Charles D. Roundtree Jr., a vibrant 18-year-old from San Antonio, Texas, who was full of life, laughter, and love. Charles was the oldest of many siblings, a devoted son, and a proud new father to baby Kayden. He loved basketball and was known for his ever-present smile and deep affection for his family.
Charles was tragically killed when a San Antonio police officer fired at another individual and struck Charles instead. He was unarmed, sitting in a friend’s home. The shot that ended his life was deemed "unintended," but the consequence was irreversible. His life was sacred. His future was full of promise. His death demands remembrance.
Moments later, as the livestream continued, a responding officer was heard making a cruel remark: “I think it’s going to be a closed casket, homie.”
There was no bodycam footage. No public answers. And still no peace for Sean’s family, who learned of his death while watching his livestream.
Sean was more than a headline. He was a son, a brother, a young man full of life. He should be here today. Instead, his name joins a heartbreaking list of Black lives lost to police violence—names we must say aloud and never forget.
Dreasjon “Sean” Reed
A 21-year-old Black man whose life was cut short by police gunfire—while he livestreamed the encounter on Facebook.
On May 6, 2020, Sean was pursued by Indianapolis police after what they called “reckless driving.” As he ran from the vehicle, the video captured his final moments—his voice, his fear, and ultimately, the sound of gunshots. He was struck and killed.
Breonna Taylor, a 26-year-old emergency medical technician who was shot and killed by Louisville police in her own home during a botched raid.
In the early hours of March 13, 2020, officers used a battering ram to force entry into Breonna’s apartment under a no-knock warrant linked to an investigation involving a man she had recently cut ties with. Breonna and her boyfriend, startled from sleep, called out asking who was at the door. Moments later, the door was broken down. Her boyfriend, fearing for their safety, fired one shot. Police returned fire with over 30 rounds. Breonna was struck five times and died on the floor of her own hallway.
She received no medical attention. The ambulance on standby had been told to leave before the raid began—a decision that cost Breonna her life.
No drugs were found. No body cameras were active. And still, no officer has been held criminally responsible for her death.
Though some federal charges have been filed for falsifying the warrant that led police to her door, full accountability remains elusive. Breonna’s name became a rallying cry in the summer of 2020, a symbol of racial injustice and police violence that sparked a global movement. Her life—bright, driven, and full of potential—was taken needlessly.
We say her name because her life mattered.
We say her name because justice delayed is justice denied.
We say her name because silence is complicity.
Breonna was beloved by her family, friends, and community. She was turning a corner in her life, full of hope for the future. May we carry her story in our hearts—and act boldly so that no more lives are stolen by a broken system.