PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — It’s been eight years since Keaton Otis was shot and killed by police during a traffic stop. But he hasn’t been forgotten.
On Saturday, community remembers gathered at Augustana Lutheran Church in Northeast Portland to remember Otis — something the group does on a yearly basis.
“I think that tonight we’ve come together to mourn Keaton’s loss and to celebrate his life and the fact that we had him among us,” said Walidah Imarisha.
Eight years ago, Portland Police said Otis didn’t immediately pull over after officers flashed their lights. They said Otis failed to change lanes. Eventually, they did pull him over, but when they did, police said he shouted profanities and didn’t follow directions to get out of the car. Officers tried to pull him out. When they did, they tased him. Police said Otis pulled out a gun and shot Officer Chris Burley. They shot and killed Otis and were cleared by a grand jury for the shooting.
Burley is now the public information officer for the Portland Police Bureau.
People who gathered in Northeast Portland were also there to remember their own children. They have even created a support group.
Shelly Hall-Morgan said her son, Brad Lee Morgan, was 21 when he was shot and killed by police in a parking garage. That happened on Jan. 25, 2012.
She said the loss of a child is so great, making this special weekend for mom’s even tougher.
“I am trying to help other people be supportive and understand where they are coming from because I’m new at this,” Hall-Morgan said.
On Sunday those mothers in attendance plan to hang signs around Portland to remember the children that were killed.