STOCKTON, CA - Members of the Nation of Islam hosted a small town hall meeting in Stockton Friday, seeking answers in a police shooting which took the life of 16-year-old James Rivera.
News10's cameras were not invited in because Rivera's family requested privacy.
Rivera was shot and killed by officers Thursday in north Stockton after a car chase. After attempting to pull Rivera over in connection with an alleged carjacking at gunpoint Wednesday, Rivera crashed his vehicle into a garage. Authorities say the car then reversed toward officers, who ordered Rivera out of the car.
When he didn't comply, officers fired muliple shots into the car, killing the teen.
"What he was wanted for didn't add up to the loss of life, " Nation of Islam minister Brian Muhummud said.
Muhummud said the Nation of Islam is now supporting Rivera's family and seeking answers into the shooting they say was not justified.
Police say Rivera was well known to them. They say Rivera escaped from juvinille hall in May and was wanted on new charges during the intervening months, including robbery and carjacking.